Description:

Riverside Cemetery was created in 1885. Since its inception it has functioned as the final resting place for Asheville citizens, initially at least, for the most prominent among them. We have owned our bed and breakfast in Montford for over 15 years and this 87 acre plot of land that serves as the final resting place for so many is, believe it or not, one of the most visited places in historic Montford for Asheville tourists. This is easily understood as you enter the black wrought iron gates to view the picturesque meandering of the French Broad River bordering the land in full concert with a great number of mature, varied, and achingly beautiful light-dappled trees throughout this location. All of this creates the perfect peace its inhabitants yearned for in life.

It functions as a Buncombe county tree preserve site and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It remains operational as an open cemetery averaging 75 new burials each year. This is in addition to the more than 13, 000 souls already in residence.

Notables of the Literati: O’Henry (the pen name of William Sydney Porter) distinguished author of one of this writer’s favorite stories, “A Retrieved Reformation,” and the always beloved, “The Gift of the Magi.”
Thomas Wolfe: A hometown boy known for his bestseller about Asheville resulting in him being run out of town on a rail due to his rather less than ambiguous and totally clear description of some of the towns’ local residents in “Look Homeward Angel.”

The literati are joined by everyone from military higher-ups to political figures, as well as Asheville’s elite, and even some stone masons of Biltmore Estate. Veterans of our Civil War, WWI, and WWII – both of no rank and high rank – all found parity in this hilly, verdant expanse.

In 1917, close to Asheville in Hot Springs, NC; (WWI) German Soldiers, were housed in what was at that time the largest U.S.prisoner of war camp.  This camp held almost 2,200 prisoners (most in fact were civilians and called “enemy aliens”) were brought to Riverside at their death. It is said 18 were buried there.

Scuttlebutt has it that, even now, Confederate soldiers have been sighted marching in eternal formation – forever battle ready on the darkest nights, and in constant preparation for the Civil War Battle of Asheville.

Whether your interest is for the history, or the picturesque beauty of this local landmark, or you seek a paranormal experience, don’t miss this place.