Hendersonville Unveiled Marker for Walter Bryson
The city honored the local Buffalo Soldier and historic West Point riding instructor at Oakdale Cemetery.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in African-American
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The Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission has honored Henderson County native and Buffalo Soldier Walter Bryson with a new historic marker. The memorial was officially unveiled at Oakdale Cemetery, where Bryson is buried.
Why it matters
This marker serves to preserve the legacy of a significant local figure who served in the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th Infantry. It highlights the military contributions of Black soldiers in American history.
Walter Bryson served in three different military units, including the 9th and 10th Cavalry. The marker is located exactly 50 feet from his gravesite at Oakdale Cemetery.
The players
Walter Bryson
He was a Henderson County native and Buffalo Soldier who served in multiple cavalry and infantry units before instructing at West Point.
Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission
This local government body is responsible for identifying and commemorating historical sites and figures within Hendersonville.
The details
The marker project was facilitated by the Neighborhood History Project and incorporated research provided by local participants. Bryson was born in 1876 and later achieved distinction as a riding instructor at West Point before his death in 1917.
Timeline
1876 marks the year of Walter Bryson's birth in Henderson County.
1900 was the year Walter Bryson enlisted in the 9th Cavalry.
1917 is the year Walter Bryson died in Hendersonville.
October 9, 2026, was the date of the historic marker unveiling.
October 23-25, 2026, are the dates for the Voices of Oakdale theatrical tour.
Culture Shift
The Neighborhood History Project's community-led research initiative provides a model for how cities can reclaim marginalized local narratives. This unveiling follows the pattern established by the project of incorporating local research into formal historic commemorations.
Residents can visit the new marker at Oakdale Cemetery to learn more about Bryson's military career. The upcoming Voices of Oakdale tour provides an opportunity for the public to engage directly with local history.
The takeaway
Honoring local figures like Walter Bryson helps ensure that the contributions of diverse veterans remain visible in the community. Residents interested in history can continue their education by participating in city-led tours at local historic sites.
What happens next
The theatrical tour Voices of Oakdale is scheduled to take place at Oakdale Cemetery from October 23-25, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural commemorations on the Hendersonville African-American page.
More information
For more details on the upcoming history tours, visit the Oakdale Cemetery tour information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Whkp.
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