Lenoir NC “Where the High Country Begins “

Town of Lenoir NC
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Lenior, North Carolina. Lenoir is found in the Furniture Capital of the South, or Caldwell County. In this town there are numerous outlets and stores that offer great discounts on all makes and models of furniture. For a more outdoorsy escape, Lenoir is located nearby the Pisgah National Forest which is filled with trails and other adventures. The city also contains the Brushy Mountains, an offshoot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lenoir is also home to many historic houses that have been restored and turned into tourist attractions. Lenoir has become the largest city in Caldwell County and is the center for commerce. The summer is a happening time for Lenoir with events happening every weekend from April until October. From the annual Blackberry Festival to cruise-in car shows, there is always something to do in this warm and inviting town! 

History of Lenoir North Carolina
The history of Lenoir begins around 1765 when the first settlement, known as Tucker’s Barn, was established. The barn was built by a family named Tucker on the north side of Lower Creek. The homestead became a gathering place for many and the community of Tucker’s Barn was built. The barn was used as a voting precinct, a muster ground, and a place for celebrations. General William Lenoir, a Revolutionary hero, gave a speech at a large Fourth of July party held at the barn. 

When Caldwell County was formed in 1841 the town began debating over what would be the new county seat. After much consideration the community decided on the area of Tucker’s Barn mainly for its accessibility in case of a Spring flood. The new county seat was then named in honor of General William Lenoir. 

The city of Lenoir came to life after the Lenoir Furniture Company was formed in 1889. The furniture industry of Lenoir began to develop from this company into an industry that supplied thousands of jobs for people all over Western North Carolina.  This fine-crafted furniture that had been created in Lenoir was purchased and used in houses in over thirty different countries. This industry has continued to develop and attract people from all over the world to the city of Lenoir. 

Blackberry Festival
Community members of Lenoir, North Carolina learn at a young age all the wonderful things one can do with blackberries. From cobblers to jams, blackberries have become a major player in the local heritage of this city. To honor the tradition of picking and eating blackberries, Lenoir hosts the North Carolina Blackberry Festival every year. There will be a variety of food vendors, arts and crafts, recipes contests and of course, plenty of blackberries! 

Hand-Crafted Sculpture Festival
Lenoir is home to one of the Southeast’s largest and longest-running sculpture competition and celebrations. Every second Saturday of September artists and viewers come together to celebrate the art of sculpting. Everything from abstract to traditional sculptures can be found here including pieces made from metal, wood, found objects and even duct tape. Visitors can take a stroll across lawns filled with art work, talk with artists and even purchase sculptures.