Berkeley Plantation, one of the first plantations in America, comprises about 1,000 acres (400 ha) on the banks of the James River on State Route 5 in Charles City County, Virginia. Berkeley Plantation was originally called Berkeley Hundred, named after the Berkeley Company of England. In 1726, it became the ancestral home of the Harrison family, after Benjamin Harrison IV located there and built one of the first three-story brick mansions in Virginia. It is the home to two presidents of the United States: William Henry Harrison, and his grandson Benjamin Harrison. It is now a museum property, open to the public.Planning Charles City trip won't be overwhelming when you use Inspirock's itinerary maker.
Among the many American "firsts" that occurred at Berkeley Plantation are:
In 1619 settlers celebrated the first annual Thanksgiving celebration after landing at Berkeley Hundred.
In 1862 the Army bugle call "Taps" was first played, by bugler Oliver W. Norton; the melody was written at Harrison's Landing, the plantation's old wharf, by Norton and General Daniel Butterfield.
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Berkeley Plantation reviews
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Perhaps no other plantation house in the country possesses the distinguished pedigree attributed to Berkeley. Located at 122602 Harrison Landing Road, on Virginia State Route 5, overlooking the James.... more
Perhaps no other plantation house in the country possesses the distinguished pedigree attributed to Berkeley. Located at 122602 Harrison Landing Road, on Virginia State Route 5, overlooking the James.... more »
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We 4 women were driving back to Stafford Virginia from Virginia Beach Virginia. 3 of us are from Minnesota, we are staying with a sister & brother in law in Stafford. One of the ladies bucket list...
We 4 women were driving back to Stafford Virginia from Virginia Beach Virginia. 3 of us are from Minnesota, we are staying with a sister & brother in law in Stafford. One of the ladies bucket list... more »
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The tour was excellent, and we really enjoyed seeing the house and grounds, reconstructed slave quarters and the taps monument. We spent about an hour and a half here and saw the majority, but didn’t read everything in depth at all of the exhibits, but what we did read was interesting and informative. Allow for extra time if you really want to read everything. Would definitely recommend stopping here!
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So much history in one place! Beautiful plantation with breathtaking views of the river. Tour guide was informative & entertaining. Well worth the trip- I highly recommend visiting this jewel on the river.
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