Local historians Mary Jo Padgett and Ronnie Pepper are teaming up to lead walks focusing on the contribution of Black citizens buried in Oakdale to the history of Hendersonville. These free guided walks in Hendersonville’s Historic African-American section of Oakdale Cemetery will be on Saturday, April 5, at 10:30 a.m. and on Sunday, April 6, at 2:30 p.m.

The informative walks begin in the Black section of the Cemetery, which is located on the north side of U.S. 64 West between Valley St. and Bearcat Loop, about one-half mile from downtown Hendersonville. The 90-minute walks are open to the public at no charge and are held rain or shine. Tour guides and historians Mary Jo Padgett and Ronnie Pepper are teaming up to present these walks focusing on Black History.

Some of Hendersonville’s most interesting historic figures of various races and ethnic backgrounds lie in rest at Oakdale. In December 1885, the City of Hendersonville purchased 5.5 acres and established the cemetery at its present location. Once segregated by race and religion, the “residents” in Hendersonville’s historic Oakdale Cemetery today are more integrated, revealing that cemeteries, too, keep up with the times.

The walks will focus on the historically Black section and the guides will share stories of African-American leaders and noteworthy citizens from slavery era through Jim Crow segregation times, with emphasis on teachers, nurses, veterans, and Buffalo Soldier heroes.

Meet in the Cemetery at the intersection of 7th Ave. E. and Prince St. to start the walk. Parking is possible along those streets and other lanes in the Cemetery.
Padgett conducts walks regularly in Oakdale Cemetery as well as on Hendersonville Main Street and the historic 7th Ave./Depot District. Pepper is a noted storyteller and is chair of the Hendersonville Black History Research Group.

The tours will be cancelled in case of severe weather, ice, or snow.