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Reynolds Homestead

More than 170 years at the heart of Patrick County

With ties that go back to the very beginning of Virginia Tech, the historic property has created an enduring tradition of innovation, culture, and education.

Julie Walters Steele and Kimble Reynolds, a descendant of the Rock Spring enslaved community, talk near the back porch of the historic home.

Learning and discovery

The Reynolds Homestead, once known as the Rock Spring Plantation, is the birthplace of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds and his brother A.D. Reynolds, whose son founded Reynolds Metals. Today the historic Patrick County, Virginia, property acts as part museum, part community gathering place, and part educational and cultural center dedicated to lifelong learning and community engagement. 

Community Engagement Center

The Community Engagement Center offers a variety of progams and events and is available for weddings and other rentals. Find out more about Renting the CEC.

P. Buckley Moss prints

P. Buckley Moss created two works of art for the 50th anniversary, with hand-signed prints available for purchase. A portion of all sales will support art programs at the homestead. 

Creative Arts Center

The Creative Arts Center, located in Stuart, offers pottery, weaving, painting, and other art classes.

Experiential Education

Enjoy the grounds of the Reynolds Homestead and visit the Rock Spring, the Friendship Garden, and the LEAF Trail. Learn more about our Experiential Education opportunities for your school, club, or organization.

Questions about visiting the Reynolds Homestead or participating in any of our programs or classes? Send us an email.

 

VIDEOS

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Land Acknowledgement 

Virginia Tech acknowledges that we live and work on Native Americans’ homeland and we recognize their continued relationships with their lands and waterways. We further acknowledge that the Morrill Land-Grant College Act (1862) enabled the commonwealth of Virginia to finance and found Virginia Tech through the forced removal of Native Nations from their lands. 

Labor Recognition

Virginia Tech acknowledges that the Reynolds Homestead sits on land that was previously the site of the Rock Spring plantation, owned by members of the Reynolds family. We acknowledge that enslaved Black people generated wealth for the Reynolds family and worked on construction of the Reynolds Homestead’s historic home. Through the institutional and individual commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence, we commit to advancing a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

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