Otway Burns Statue
A commanding copper statue in Burnsville's town square honoring naval hero Otway Burns, namesake of the town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the statue and town square
Otway Burns Statue
Best Time
Enjoy the statue and town square
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A commanding copper statue in Burnsville's town square honoring naval hero Otway Burns, namesake of the town.
"A nice tribute to a hero of the War of 1812, located in a beautiful town square."
📸 Photo Op
Capture the commanding pose of the copper statue. Great for history buffs and photographers!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Square
Take time to walk around the town square, enjoy the ambiance, and explore local shops.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 17 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Otway Burns Statue
Burnsville Town Square
A commanding copper statue honoring the War of 1812 naval hero and namesake of Burnsville.
Burnsville Town Square
Center of Burnsville
A vibrant community hub perfect for walking, relaxing, shopping, and dining at local spots.
Courthouse Vicinity
Adjacent to Town Square
Located near the county courthouse, offering a glimpse into local governance and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Otway Burns' Legacy
Town Square Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Op
Capture the commanding pose of the copper statue. Great for history buffs and photographers!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Square
Take time to walk around the town square, enjoy the ambiance, and explore local shops.
💡 Learn the History
Research Otway Burns beforehand to appreciate his naval heroics and political impact.
☕️ Local Eats Nearby
Grab a bite at one of the local restaurants surrounding the town square.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Op
Capture the commanding pose of the copper statue. Great for history buffs and photographers!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Square
Take time to walk around the town square, enjoy the ambiance, and explore local shops.
💡 Learn the History
Research Otway Burns beforehand to appreciate his naval heroics and political impact.
☕️ Local Eats Nearby
Grab a bite at one of the local restaurants surrounding the town square.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Otway Burns Statue as a well-crafted tribute to a significant North Carolina hero, noting its prominent location in the charming Burnsville Town Square. Many enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the square for strolling and shopping, finding it a pleasant community hub. Some visitors are surprised to learn the town is named after him, and that he never actually visited Burnsville.
"At the center of the town square that is next to the county courthouse, I was sure that this was going to be another Confederate memorial. Well, it's not. It's WAY better than that.
Otway Burns is honored here with both a statue and the town's name because of his legacy as a naval hero and his support for western representation in state politics. A celebrated privateer during the War of 1812, Burns commanded the schooner Snap Dragon and captured numerous British vessels, earning national recognition. After the war, he served in the North Carolina General Assembly, where he advocated for increased political representation for the North Carolina's western counties. This stance resonated so deeply with mountain communities that the newly established town in Yancey County was named Burnsville in 1834. The statue in the town square, donated by his grandson in 1909, commemorates his service and symbolizes the enduring respect held for his contributions to both state and country.
The statue is made of copper. It depicts him standing upright in a commanding pose, dressed in 19th-century naval attire with a long coat and high boots. His right arm is raised, pointing forward, symbolizing leadership and vision.
The plaque on the plinth reads, "He guarded well our seas, let our mountains honor him.""
Bruce InCharlotte
"Otway Burns statue in town square. Nice tribute to a hero of the war of 1812. Additional tributes to Otway can be found in a couple of seafront towns in North Carolina, Swansboro and Beaufort. Both towns have significant references to Otway and his connection and contribution to the coastal history. His burial site is in Beaufort."
becky juhl
"Burnsville is named for Otway Burns.The swashbuckling sea captain became North Carolina’s first naval hero during the War of 1812. Later he built one of the state’s first steamboats and served in the legislature. Yet he died poor and unnoticed, living his last years as a lonely lighthouse keeper on the Pamlico Sound. This is a beautiful park in a beautiful town square."
Cris Sleightholm
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Otway Burns Statue is located in the heart of Burnsville's town square, easily accessible by car. Burnsville is situated in Yancey County, North Carolina. Parking is typically available around the town square.
Public transport options to Burnsville may be limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the Otway Burns Statue in the town square is free and open to the public.
The statue is located in the town square, which is generally accessible at all times. However, surrounding shops and businesses will have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit Burnsville Town Square or see the Otway Burns Statue.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The statue is in the town square, which offers opportunities for walking, relaxing, shopping at local boutiques, and dining at nearby restaurants.
The Otway Burns Statue is made of copper and depicts him standing in 19th-century naval attire with his right arm raised, symbolizing leadership.
The plaque on the plinth reads, "He guarded well our seas, let our mountains honor him."
No, the Otway Burns Statue is not a Confederate memorial. It honors Otway Burns, a naval hero of the War of 1812 and a supporter of western representation in state politics.
Otway Burns' burial site is in Beaufort, North Carolina, not in Burnsville.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Burnsville Town Square is surrounded by local restaurants offering various dining options.
You can expect a variety of local cuisine, often featuring Southern comfort food and regional specialties.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from various angles around the town square, capturing the statue in its setting. The courthouse nearby also offers good backdrops.
Yes, the charming town square with the statue and surrounding historic buildings provides a picturesque setting for photography.
Social
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