Reynolds Homestead facts for kids
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Reynolds Homestead
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Historic marker for Reynolds Homestead
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | N of Critz on SR 798 |
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| Area | 6.99 acres (2.83 ha) |
| Built | 1850 |
| Architect | Reynolds, Hardin W. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000987 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | December 22, 1977 |
The Reynolds Homestead, also known as Rock Spring Plantation, is a special historical place in Critz, Virginia. It was once a large farm where enslaved people were forced to work. The farm was started in 1814 by Abram Reynolds. Later, it became the main home of R. J. Reynolds (1850–1918). He was famous for starting the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. In 1863, 88 people who were enslaved there became free.
This homestead was named a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Today, it is part of Virginia Tech. It works as a cultural center for the area. You can visit the house and take tours to learn about its history.
Contents
Explore the Reynolds Homestead
The Reynolds Homestead is in a country area of eastern Patrick County, Virginia. It is about one mile north of a small town called Critz. The main house is a two-story building made of brick. It has a special kind of roof called a hip roof. An older, two-story part of the house sticks out from the main building.
Buildings and Grounds
Around the main house, you can find other old buildings. These include a large place to store corn, a brick kitchen, a milkhouse, and an icehouse. Near the house is the Reynolds family cemetery. Across a field, you can also find the cemetery where enslaved people were buried. The house has been carefully fixed up to look like it did in the 1800s. Many of the original family items are still inside.
The Reynolds Family Story
The land was first used by Abram Reynolds. He built a simple log cabin close to where the main house stands now. His son, Hardin W. Reynolds, built up the farm in the mid-1800s. This is where Hardin's son, R. J. Reynolds, was born. R.J. Reynolds lived here for the first 24 years of his life.
R.J. Reynolds became very successful in business. He was known for selling a type of tobacco. He became even more famous when he introduced the Camel cigarette brand. He was very good at marketing and advertising his products.
The Homestead Today
R.J. Reynolds moved away from the family homestead in 1874. The property stayed in the family for many years. However, it started to fall apart over time. In 1968, Nancy Susan Reynolds bought back a large part of the original farm. She was R.J. Reynolds' only child who was still alive.
Nancy Susan Reynolds gave most of the land to Virginia Tech. She kept the right to live in the homestead for her lifetime. The house was then carefully restored to its original look. Today, Virginia Tech manages the property. It has a learning center run by their Outreach and International Affairs department. The homestead hosts many educational and cultural events. You can visit the house for tours, either by yourself or with a group.
See also
