The Rutherfordton City Cemetery, which encompasses more than 20 acres along North Main Street, is one of the most historic burial grounds in all of western North Carolina. Thousands of graves can be found here, many dating to the 1770s. Statesmen, industrialists, authors, and prominent physicians are buried among the plots of families who have lived in the town for more than 220 years. Of particular note is the grave of Joshua Foreman, who is credited with founding the City of Syracuse, New York. He was also one of the original trustees of the Erie Canal project. A historical marker is located along North Main Street that identifies the location of his grave.