Reynolds Homestead
{{short description|Historic house in Virginia, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Reynolds Homestead
| nrhp_type = nhl
| designated_other1 = Virginia Landmarks Register
| designated_other1_date = November 3, 1970{{cite web|title=Virginia Landmarks Register|url=http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register_counties_cities.htm|publisher=Virginia Department of Historic Resources|access-date=5 June 2013}}
| designated_other1_number = 070-0005
| designated_other1_num_position = bottom
| image = Reynolds Homestead historic marker Patrick County Virginia.JPG
| caption = Historic marker for Reynolds Homestead
| location = N of Critz on SR 798
| coordinates = {{coord|36|38|39|N|80|8|55|W|display=inline,title}}
| locmapin = Virginia#USA
| area = {{convert|6.99|acre|ha}}
| built = 1850
| architect = Reynolds, Hardin W.
| architecture = Greek Revival
| designated_nrhp_type = December 22, 1977{{cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1166&ResourceType=Building
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121214005149/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1166&ResourceType=Building
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=December 14, 2012
|title=Reynolds Homestead |access-date=2008-04-21|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service}}
| added = September 22, 1971{{NRISref|2007a}}
| refnum = 71000987
}}
The Reynolds Homestead, also known as Rock Spring Plantation, is a slave plantation turned historical site on Homestead Lane in Critz, Virginia. First developed in 1814 by slaveowner Abram Reynolds, it was the primary home of R. J. Reynolds (1850–1918), founder of the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and the first major marketer of the cigarette. Upon liberation of the plantation in 1863, 88 people were freed from captivity and enslavement.{{Cite web|title=Kitty Reynolds · Southwest Virginia Digital Archive|url=https://di.lib.vt.edu/items/show/2857#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0&xywh=5,-103,249,448|access-date=2021-11-01|website=di.lib.vt.edu}} It was later designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.{{Citation|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Reynolds Homestead / Rock Spring Plantation|url={{NHLS url|id=71000987}} |format=pdf|date=December 1976 |author=Ralph J. Christian |publisher=National Park Service}} and {{NHLS url|id=71000987|title=Accompanying four photos, exterior and interior, from 1976|photos=y}} {{small|(32 KB)}}{{Citation|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Reynolds Homestead / Rock Spring Plantation|url=http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/Patrick/070-0005_Reynolds_Homestead_1971_Final_Nomination.pdf |date=October 21, 1970 |author=Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission Staff, James W. Moody, Jr., Director |publisher=National Park Service}} The homestead is currently an outreach facility of Virginia Tech, serving as a regional cultural center. The house is open for tours.
Description and history
The Reynolds Homestead is located in a rural area of eastern Patrick County, Virginia, about one mile north of the village of Critz. The estate house is a two-story brick building with a hip roof, from which an older two-story ell extends. Outbuildings of the plantation complex include a large corn crib, a brick kitchen, milkhouse, and icehouse. The Reynolds family cemetery is located near the house and across a field is the slave cemetery. The house has been restored to its nineteenth century state and includes many of the original family furnishings.
The property was first developed by Abram Reynolds, who built a log cabin near where the main house stands. His son, Hardin W. Reynolds, developed the estate in the mid-19th century, and it here that his son, R. J. Reynolds was born and lived for the first 24 years of his life. Reynolds achieved early economic success selling plug tobacco, but made an instant success out of the introduction of the Camel cigarette brand, which he marketed and advertised widely.
Reynolds moved out of the family homestead in 1874. It remained within the family, but in declining condition, into the mid-20th century. In 1968, Nancy Susan Reynolds, R.J.'s only surviving child, purchased over {{convert|700|acre|ha}} of the original plantation, most of which she gave to Virginia Tech, retaining life interest in the homestead, which was carefully restored. The property is now managed by Virginia Tech, and includes a continuing education center managed by its Department of Outreach and International Affairs. It hosts educational and cultural events, and the house is open for tours for both individuals and groups.
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|Reynolds Homestead}}
- [http://www.reynoldshomestead.vt.edu/ Reynolds Homestead official site]
- [http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/Patrick/ReynoldsHomestead_photo.htm Reynolds Homestead, Patrick County]
{{National Register of Historic Places in Virginia}}
{{Virginia Tech}}
Category:Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia
Category:National Historic Landmarks in Virginia
Category:Museums in Patrick County, Virginia
Category:Historic house museums in Virginia
Category:Houses completed in 1850
Category:Greek Revival houses in Virginia
Category:Reynolds family residences
Category:National Register of Historic Places in Patrick County, Virginia
Category:Houses in Patrick County, Virginia