Explore Asheville’s past with Tombstone Tales, a series uncovering the stories of iconic figures buried in the area. From local legends to unsung heroes, these historical highlights bring history to life—one grave at a time.
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Tombstone Tales: A Fairview grave says James Brevard ‘became a seraph.’ Who was he?
Buried at Cane Creek Cemetery in 1847, the farmer, postmaster and state legislator left a public record that helps explain an extraordinary epitaph.
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Tombstone Tales: The Reems Creek pitcher who played one game in the Major Leagues
Richard “Rome” Chambers became the first known Western North Carolina native to play Major League Baseball before returning home to Buncombe County, where he died just one day before his 27th birthday.
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Tombstone Tales: A Revolutionary War veteran’s grave in Mitchell County tells a WNC story for July Fourth
At Kona Baptist Church Cemetery, a memorial to George Silver carries the story of American independence into the Toe River Valley and a family legacy deeply rooted in Western North Carolina.
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Tombstone Tales: Flat Rock grave links to Declaration of Independence signer
As America marks its 250th anniversary, a grave at St. John in the Wilderness Cemetery connects Flat Rock to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a young man remembered not for his famous name, but for his character.
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Tombstone Tales: Biltmore Estate stone was used to carve this historic Asheville cemetery angel
The Riverside Cemetery monument was carved by English stoneworker Fred Miles from limestone left over from Biltmore Estate’s construction.
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Tombstone Tales: A World War I soldier’s grave in Buncombe County reflects meaning of Memorial Day
Walter Martin died in France during World War I and remained buried overseas for nearly three years before his remains were returned to Buncombe County.
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Tombstone Tales: Deadly 1889 camp meeting in Buncombe County
A violent confrontation at a Turkey Creek camp meeting led to a death and a murder trial in Buncombe County.
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Tombstone Tales: Ella Morrison shaped Asheville institutions
Buried at Riverside Cemetery, Ella Morrison left a lasting mark on Asheville’s civic life.
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Tombstone Tales: War of 1812 Veteran Buried in Haywood County
Elijah Deaver, a War of 1812 officer and early settler, gave Bethel a resting place that still serves the community today.
