Visitors to the Reynolds Homestead will once again be able to safely cross the creek to visit the historic Rock Spring, thanks to the volunteer efforts of Della and Ricky Carter, Diane Poeske, and Kevin Reynolds.

The group recently constructed a new bridge leading to the spring, an important site in the history of the property. Before it became known as the Reynolds Homestead, the site was called Rock Spring Plantation. The spring provided water for the people who lived and worked on the plantation.

The original bridge was built in 2008 by Daniel Reynolds, Kevin Reynolds’ son and a member of Boy Scout Troop 69, as part of his Eagle Scout service project. After nearly two decades of use, floods and storms had damaged the bridge, making it unsafe to cross.

Della Carter, Diane Poeske, and Kevin Reynolds are members of the Rock Spring Descendants Committee. The group wanted to make sure visitors would be able to access the spring during the upcoming Juneteenth Freedom Celebration.

“We are deeply grateful to Della, Ricky, Diane, and Kevin for their time, care, and commitment to preserving access to this meaningful place,” said Julie Walters Steele, director of the Reynolds Homestead.

The Juneteenth Freedom Celebration will be held Friday, June 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Reynolds Homestead in Critz. The event is free and open to the public.

A newly built wooden bridge in a wooded area at the Reynolds Homestead
The new bridge will improve access to the historic Rock Spring ahead of the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at the Reynolds Homestead.

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