Echoes of Appalachia

Tucked away in the Montford Historic District of Asheville, North Carolina, lies Riverside Cemetery—a place where history and mystery intertwine. Spanning 87 acres, this burial ground holds the stories of over 13,000 souls, including literary legends like Thomas Wolfe and William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry. But for those who walk its peaceful paths at dusk, there’s something more than history lingering in the air—some say it’s haunted.

The History

Established in 1885, Riverside Cemetery offers a serene resting place amid Asheville’s rolling hills. Its winding paths lead visitors through a garden of tombstones, monuments, and mausoleums that tell the stories of families and individuals who shaped the region. From Confederate generals to local artisans, the cemetery’s rich history feels alive in the air, with echoes of the past seemingly everywhere.

The Ghostly Legends

As with many old cemeteries, Riverside has become the subject of eerie legends and ghost stories over the years. Locals whisper about the spirits said to wander the grounds, unable to find peace. Some visitors claim to have seen shadowy figures among the gravestones or felt an icy chill even on the warmest days. One of the most talked-about apparitions is that of a woman dressed in white, seen weeping near a grave marked only with initials. Others report hearing soft whispers or footsteps when no one else is around.

The Haunted Soldiers

Riverside Cemetery is the final resting place for over 500 Confederate soldiers, and some say their spirits remain, wandering the grounds as if still on guard. Visitors have reported hearing the faint sounds of marching boots or the distant clinking of metal, as though a spectral army still patrols the area.

Literary Spirits

Perhaps the most famous graves in Riverside belong to two of Asheville’s literary icons—Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry. Wolfe, known for his towering novels about growing up in Asheville, is said to be restless even in death. Some claim to see his ghost walking through the cemetery, his long coat trailing behind him as he contemplates the town that shaped his work. Could it be that Wolfe, like the characters in his books, feels bound to the land of his youth?

O. Henry, with his sharp wit and twist endings, may have another chapter left to tell. Some visitors have reported seeing a figure near his grave who disappears when approached, leaving behind only a sense of unease. Is it the playful spirit of the author himself, crafting one last ironic turn?

Visiting Riverside Cemetery

Whether you’re drawn to Riverside for its history, its beauty, or its ghostly tales, it’s a place worth visiting. During the day, the cemetery is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Asheville, with its moss-covered stones and towering trees offering a quiet place to reflect. But as the sun dips below the mountains and shadows begin to stretch across the hills, it’s easy to see why the cemetery has earned its haunted reputation.

Perhaps the spirits that are said to roam Riverside are simply the echoes of a bygone era, a reminder that the past is never too far away. Or perhaps, as many believe, they are still here—watching, waiting, and wandering among the graves.

Would you dare to find out for yourself?

By Tim Carmichael