On October 9, 2026, the City of Hendersonville’s Historic Preservation Commission, through its Neighborhood History Project, unveiled a historic marker honoring Henderson County native and Buffalo Soldier Walter Bryson at Oakdale Cemetery.
Born in Henderson County in 1876, Bryson served in the United States Army as part of the Buffalo Soldiers, the African American regiments established following the Civil War. His story is part of the broader history of Henderson County and the many individuals who have contributed to the community’s history and heritage.
Local historian and community leader Ronnie Pepper, Council Member Melinda Lowrance, HPC Chair Cheryl Jones, and City Planner Sam Hayes spoke at the event before the marker was unveiled. The City of Hendersonville would like to thank the Historic Preservation Commission, Judge Fox, Jennie Jones Giles, Neighborhood History Project participants, City Council, and everyone who contributed research to make this historical marker possible.
The marker provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about Bryson’s life and military service, the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, and the significance of preserving and sharing these stories.
To learn more about the history of Oakdale Cemetery, reserve tickets for the Voices of Oakdale: Historic Preservation Commission Brings Oakdale Cemetery’s History to Life. The theatrical tour is produced in partnership with Hendersonville Theatre October 23-25. Visit https://www.hendersonvillenc. gov/news/voices-oakdale for more information.
Historic Marker Text:
Buffalo Soldier
“Buffalo Soldier” was the nickname given by Native Americans to the U.S. Army’s all-Black cavalry regiments created by Congress in 1866. These soldiers served on the western frontier and fought in the Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, and the campaign against Pancho Villa in Mexico. They also became some of the first National Park rangers and served as riding instructors for West Point cadets on what is now known as “Buffalo Field.” Buffalo Soldiers earned 30 Medals of Honor. The regiments were disbanded in 1951 following President Truman’s 1948 order desegregating the military.
Walter Bryson
Born in Henderson County in 1876, Walter Bryson enlisted in the 9th Cavalry in 1900 and later served in the 10th Cavalry and 24th Infantry, three of the four all-Black regiments known as the Buffalo Soldiers. His career included service in the American West at the close of the American Indian Wars, decorated duty in the Philippines, and a role as a riding instructor at West Point. To hold that position, he relinquished his sergeant rank because a Black soldier could not outrank a white cadet. Bryson died in 1917 while on furlough in Hendersonville. He is buried 50 feet west of here.
