Overmountain Men statue Dedicated in Rutherfordton

Residents and visitors gathered in downtown Rutherfordton on Independence Day for the dedication of the new Overmountain Men Memorial Statue, a project honoring the Revolutionary War patriots and Rutherford County's role in the campaign leading to the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Town officials described the ceremony as "a special way to celebrate July 4th and the 250th Anniversary of our country, right here in the heart of our town."

The town thanked the Overmountain Victory Trail Association, America 250 NC, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, Norris Public Library, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Odom Engineering, Destination by Design, volunteers, reenactors, musicians, and town staff for helping make the project and dedication ceremony possible.

"We are proud to honor the Overmountain Men, the families who supported them, and Rutherford County's place in the road to Kings Mountain," town officials said in a statement. "This statue will be a lasting reminder of the courage, community, and history that helped shape our nation."

The dedication was part of Rutherford County's America 250 celebrations, with additional Independence Day events and fireworks.