Riverside Cemetery in Montford Marries History, Hauntings and Heritage Tourism
A recent feature examined Riverside Cemetery in Asheville's Montford Historic District, tracing its origins, notable burials and the ghost lore that has gathered around the grounds. The piece matters locally because the cemetery is both a preserved historic landscape established in 1885 and a driver of cultural tourism, presenting policy and preservation challenges for Buncombe County.
Riverside Cemetery sits within the Montford Historic District as a garden style burial ground established in 1885. Its design reflects the late 19th century movement toward landscaped cemeteries that combined commemoration and park like green space. The cemetery contains the graves of nationally known writers Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry, as well as former governors and a range of other notable local figures, making it a focal point for literary pilgrims and regional history seekers.
Beyond its documented past, Riverside has accumulated layers of folklore. Accounts tied to Civil War echoes, reported apparitions and claims from paranormal investigators have turned the cemetery into a site where history and the supernatural intersect. That mix of documented prominence and atmospheric storytelling draws visitors who come for history, quiet reflection and the possibility of an encounter with the unexplained.
For Buncombe County the site presents both opportunity and obligation. Cultural and heritage visitation can support nearby businesses, bolster Montford neighborhood identity and increase awareness of local preservation needs. At the same time the attention raises questions about site management, maintenance funding and rules for public access. Cemetery landscapes require ongoing conservation work to preserve historic markers, mature trees and pathways, and unmanaged visitation can accelerate wear on fragile elements.
Local policy responses typically balance public access with preservation priorities and public safety. Managing Riverside effectively will involve coordination among municipal planners, local preservation organizations and community stakeholders to protect both the cemetery's tangible assets and its role in Buncombe County's cultural economy. Over the long term, Riverside exemplifies a trend where historic places serve multiple functions as memorials, green spaces and tourism assets. How the county adapts will shape whether that convergence sustains local heritage while protecting the site for future generations.
