Abstract:
Burke County experienced an industrial boom largely due to the World Wars. Industrial development took place primarily in Morganton, the county seat. In June 1943, the Government built a multi-million dollar facility to be operated by the National Carbon Company for the purpose of manufacturing electrodes. The Drexel Furniture Company produced plywood trainer planes (AT-21s) and other airplane parts for Fairchild Aircraft in Burlington. Morganton Furniture Company ceased making cabinets to produce glider wings for the U.S. Navy. The Alpine Cotton Mills two facilities in Morganton held government contracts for yarn. Ross Fabrics, Inc., rounded out wartime industry by switching its focus from upholstery to uniforms.