History of Reynolds Plantation

Reynolds Plantation is part of what was once known as "Cracker's Neck," a highly favored section of Greene County (named for Revolutionary War hero General Nathaniel Greene). After a period of decline, approximately 7,000 acres of Cracker's Neck were reclaimed by Mercer Reynolds Sr., who built a hunting retreat named "Linger Longer." A Greene County native, Reynolds was a highly successful businessman and inventor, earning a patent for his process of solidifying cottonseed oil. Although he moved to Chattanooga in the 1920s, he maintained ties to the area, often returning to Linger Longer to hunt, fish and relax.

During this same period, James Madison Reynolds, Sr., Mercer's cousin, was assembling land in the area for timber production. By the late 1930s the combined land holdings of the Reynolds family approximated 10,000 acres, which were left in a trust. In 1985, the trust was released to his grandchildren.

The owners of Reynolds Plantation began working to determine the best use of the land that their family had owned for so many years. As development of Reynolds Plantation continues, members of the Reynolds family remain intensely mindful of the historical value of the land and the need to preserve, and enhance, its natural beauty and legacy.

The Jackson House

The Jackson House is the jewel of Reynolds Plantation and today sits majestically over the entrance to the community.

The Jackson House was built by Mary Davis and William Reid Jackson in 1883 as their in-town house. It was originally located in downtown Greensboro next to the First Baptist Church. Here, the Jackson's children—Victoria, Willie, Fannie Stocks, Marguerite, and Mildred—were born, raised and some married in this house. Mildred lived here her entire life and died in her home in 1977.

Another of William and Mary's children, Fannie Stocks Jackson, married James Madison Reynolds. The couple lived for a while in the house. Their son, James Madison Reynolds, Jr., was born there. It was James, Jr, along with his cousin, Mercer Reynolds, Sr. who acquired the land that is now Reynolds Plantation.

In 1988, the First Baptist Church decided it was not financially feasible for them to restore the house; however, the owners of Reynolds Plantation were able to preserve the home by moving it from its original location to Reynolds Plantation. To prepare for the move, the roof was removed, the walls of the second story were dismantled and the first story was cut into two sections before being trucked 15 miles to its present location. The woodwork was restored and layers of paint removed to reveal original colors of the house. Luckily, the original drawings of the house were available as the architectural guide for the restoration. Recreation of a street similar to the one where the house was located was an important consideration in the restoration. The granite curbing was quarried at Flat Rock, which was owned by the Jackson family.

The Jackson House is one of the finest examples of Steamboat Gothic architecture still standing. The floors of the house are original pine. The rooms are approximately 19' x 17' with a ceiling height of 12'4." Light fixtures, door knobs and brass plates are reproductions from the Victorian period.