BURKE COUNTY -- It was a historic moment this week in the Burke County Town of Morganton. For the first time since August 1861, the North Carolina Supreme Court held a session in Morganton.
They heard five cases over two days. Wednesday morning was Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy vs. Cleveland County Schools.
The attorney representing the three charter schools involved, Richard Vinroot, said, “It's a spectacular, historic courtroom. I've passed it for years, never tried a case here, so it was a real honor and privilege to do that.”
Long-time Morganton residents say the historic courthouse carries a lot of fond memories.
Joyce Strachan said, “When I was 16, I came to get my birth certificate, so I can get my driver's license, and they handled everything in this building at that time.”
So watching the room back in action, the residents say, was a special moment.
John Strachan said, “I think having this building is a true honor. We are very fortunate. To have this as a parking lot would've been a tragedy. It's lucky that it was saved.”