Cumberland State Forest and at one time was a part of the now 16,222 acres. One thing people don’t realize is the forest holds many secrets and hides the fact that most of its acreage used to be lush farmland. Littered across the forest you can find former thriving communities like Lucyville.
In Central Cumberland, about two miles from Bear Creek Lake State Park, between Sugarfork Road and Trents Mill Road stood the community of Lucyville. This 1,000 acres of land is now part of the Cumberland State Forest and is located in the area of the state maintained, Quarry Road, which cuts through the Cumberland Forest.
Its residents consisted of interracial individuals led by the Reverend R. Turner Coleman, a born free African American. The main driving force behind the community was Coleman’s mineral water business which helped raise more than 50 framed buildings including a post office, hotel, bank, and many other stores and shops on the site. The water was transported as far as the Midwest, but ultimately the endeavor would fail due to lack of business experience.
There are two sites visible in this area, one on either side of the road, but the ruins of Coleman's home is the most popular due to marked grave sites and the legendary number 7 spring which was said to change colors when you looked into it. This now dry spring is the site of Rev. Coleman's grave and it is said that he had fond memories of old #7.
Rev. Coleman was married to three white women during his lifetime. One individual who is buried behind the site’s ruins is James Madison Hendrick, also a free African American. Hendrick fought for the south during the American Civil War in the 25th VA. Infantry, Company D, CSA. Hendrick moved to Amelia and in 1900s census he and his family were listed as black. However, ten years later he and other family members were listed as white. His wife of many years was named Josephine V. also seen as Lacy W., and they had three boys. Hendrick’s service to his country and to the community will always be honored and his bravery will live on in all who knew him as well as in his descendants.