Park History
Tanglewood is rich in history, beauty and southern charm. Tanglewood’s story lies
not only beneath the surface but can be experienced as an ongoing living process.
The property now known as Tanglewood Park was part of land claimed by Sr. Walter
Raleigh for Queen Elizabeth on March 25, 1584. Among the earliest European settlers
of the Yadkin River Valley was William Johnson, an immigrant from Wales. In 1757,
just four years after the Moravian settlement of the Wachovia Tract in the nearby
communities of Bethabara and Salem, Johnson purchased the mile square central portion
of the present property from the Ellis family to whom the land was deeded in 1753
by Lord William Linville. The Ellis family leased the land for a short time "for
five shillings lawful money of Great Britain in hand a yearly rent of one peppercorn
payment at he Feast of Saint Michael, the archangel".
After obtaining the property, Johnson built a fort overlooking the Yadkin River
to protect his family and neighbors from attacks during the French and Indian War.
Currently, this spot is marked by a monument just south of the Manor House. In 1765,
he died and is now buried on the highest hill in the area called Mount Pleasant.
In 1809 a simple frame church was erected next to his grave and remains today as
one of the park’s architectural attractions. Although services are no longer held
there, many people are united in marriage at the Mount Pleasant Church each year.
In 1859, James Johnson had the 18 room Manor House built on a hill in the center
of the estate. The house was a gift of love to his daughter, Emily, for a wedding
present. Two wings were added later.
The Johnson heirs sold their property in 1921 to William Neal Reynolds, brother
of tobacco entrepreneur R. J. Reynolds. At that time the Tanglewood tract was enlarged
to over 1,100 acres and the Manor House expanded to 28 rooms. Mr. Will, as he was
called, raised and raced thoroughbred harness horses and established Tanglewood
Farm as a home to some of the country’s finest pacers. In the Manor House, Mr. Will
had a special room dedicated to his trophies, called the "Trophy Room." A fire that
started mysteriously in a trophy room display case in 1980 did considerable damage,
but the room has been restored. The room is surrounded by plaques and horse photographs.
It is obvious that Mr. Will was a horse lover, and this tradition is carried on
with Tanglewood Farm. Trail rides, hayrides, and carriage rides are available by
reservation.
Today, the Manor House is a Bed & Breakfast Inn with 10 guest rooms, sweeping staircases,
the Trophy Room, 20’s Room, and Rock Fireplace Room. These facilities are used for
weddings, meetings, and overnight accommodations. It is rumored that Mr. Will’s
spirit makes friendly visits to the house from time to time.
Mr. Will’s wife, Kate, a horticultural enthusiast, began the extensive native and
ornamental plantings at Tanglewood and employed German master gardener, Mr. Frank
Lustig, who continued her plans and his life’s work. He contributed the 800 bush
Rose Garden on the Manor House lawn, the Arboretum behind the house, and the nearby
Fragrance Garden to the estate. For 60 years, even after the death of his employers,
and their gift of the estate, Lustig poured his talents into Tanglewood. He is buried
in the graveyard at Tanglewood next to the historic church.
In 1951, the Reynolds willed the Tanglewood property to the citizens of Forsyth
County to share as a public recreational park. The couple had no children. The Reynolds
willed the property as a gesture to have others benefit from the beauty, elegance,
history, and recreation their country estate had to offer. Thus, Tanglewood Park
was born. The public recreational facility is owned by Forsyth County.
The combination of its streams, woodlands and grassy pastures with the traditions
of its architecture, horses, gardening, and wide range of recreational activities
make Tanglewood an ideal countryside park to visit over and over again. Whether
your journey brings you on business or pleasure, we offer something for everyone.
How Tanglewood Got Its Name
There are several stories on how Tanglewood was named. One version is that, while
strolling through tangled underbrush where timber had been cleared, the name occurred
to Kate Reynolds.
Another version is that the heirs to the Johnson family had noticed the tangled
undergrowth. She read Tanglewood Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne frequently to her
children, and named the family farm Tanglewood. Apparently, Mr. Will asked if the
name could be continued after his possession of the property, and the Johnson heirs
said they would be honored.
Both stories are told, no one thus far can prove either one. The reader should decide
which story they prefer to believe. Kate Reynolds wrote this poem about Tanglewood:
"The seat of creeks and mighty trees,
Of fertile soil and balmy breeze . . .
Twould fill a page, had I a book,
To tell the joys of Tanglewood!"