Winston-Salem added another landmark to the National Register of Historic Places.
RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJRTC) Buildings 82 and 83 are now listed, according to a release from state officials. The buildings are highly significant to the history of Winston-Salem, which became the nation’s largest tobacco manufacturer in 1922, three years after their construction in 1919.
Experts stated this is the earliest identified tobacco warehouse in the city that is still in existence. They were built to store tobacco leaves along the railroad corridor as RJRTC looked to expand. The skylights, large metal doors, and concrete loading platforms all stand as original features of the building.
The warehouse was in its heyday in 1919-1973, standing as a valuable storage facility that was fire-resistant with natural lighting and ventilation. They are currently vacant.
