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Valdese lies in eastern Burke County, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Catawba River corridor. The land was once home to Indigenous peoples including the Catawba, who used the river system and nearby ridges for trade, travel and sustenance. European settlement expanded into the area in the late 18th century, with Scots-Irish and German immigrants establishing farms on the rolling terrain. When Burke County was chartered in 1777, the region began its steady transformation from frontier to settled community.

In 1893 a determined group of Waldensian immigrants from the Cottian Alps of northern Italy arrived in the area, seeking religious freedom and fertile land. They purchased large tracts of land and began building homes, sawmills, and farms, replicating the techniques of their Alpine homeland. These settlers named the new settlement "Valdese" and laid down deep roots, founding the Waldensian Presbyterian Church—a congregation that remains one of the largest of its kind in the United States. The knowledge of wine-making from Italian tradition came with them and contributed culturally and economically to the town's identity.

Transportation and infrastructure growth influenced Valdese's development throughout the early 20th century. The arrival of the Southern Railway in 1893 opened access for goods, logs and farm produce to reach wider markets. Later, U.S. Route 70 passed directly through the town as Main Street, while Interstate 40 along the southern border brought greater regional connectivity. Utilities, schools and commercial services grew to serve a growing residential and business community. Valdese's downtown, with its brick storefronts and timber-frame buildings from the early era, reflects the close-knit scale of its industrial-agricultural past.

Community character in Valdese has been shaped by its unique heritage, faith traditions, and the blending of old-world and American influences. Annual events, including the long-running outdoor drama "From This Day Forward," celebrate the town's Waldensian legacy. The historic district, the Waldensian Heritage Museum and downtown architecture provide cultural anchors, while public schools, parks and civic groups support modern life. The town has grown modestly yet steadily, maintaining local pride in its distinct origins.

Today, Valdese offers both residential appeal and historical significance. With homes ranging from early 20th-century vernacular houses to newer suburban developments, the community also enjoys recreational access via McGalliard Falls and nearby lakes. Its proximity to Morganton and access to Interstate 40 make commuting viable while preserving the small-town feel. Residents value the blend of heritage, walkable downtown, cultural events, and scenic foothill surroundings. Valdese continues to balance its past and future in a way that shows respect for its origins while offering modern convenience.