Berkeley Plantation, Charles City

Here in 1619, settlers observed the first official Thanksgiving in America. Berkeley is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of Independence and three times governor of Virginia. The estate is also the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, ninth president of the United States, and ancestral home of his grandson, Benjamin Harrison, the twenty-third president. During the Civil War Berkeley was occupied by General George McClellan's Union troops. While at Berkeley, General Daniel Butterfield composed the familiar tune "Taps", first played by his bugler, O.W. Norton. The 1726 Georgian mansion is furnished with a magnificent collection of 18th century antiques. Five terraces of restored boxwood and flower gardens offer breathtaking vistas of the James River. The gardens provide an elegant setting for weddings and private events.



The first Sunday in November, Berkeley celebrates the historic 1619 landing with Virginia's Thanksgiving Festival.

In December, the plantation is decorated with traditional holiday decorations of fresh greenery and natural arrangements from Berkeley's gardens.

A Virginia and National Historic Landmark.

2017 Rates: Adults $12; Children (6-16) $7; Military Adult $11;Military Children (6-16) $6.50; Senior (60+) $11

Group rates also available.

Allow a minimum 1 1/2 hours for a conducted house tour and self-guided grounds tour. The tour includes an audio-visual orientation program and museum exhibit. Enthusiastic guides in period costumes conduct tours of the mansion daily.

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