The City of Morganton train station was built in 1886, according to the 1916 valuation by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). It has subsequently been renovated several times, and very little of the original structure remained. Historic photographs and the detailed descriptions contained within the ICC allowed the station to be restored to its 1916 appearance.

HagerSmith Design completed the design phase in early 2003. Renovation work began in December 2003, and construction was completed in September 2004.

The station will serve as a local history museum until it is needed as a train passenger station for the Western NC Passenger Rail service.