Berkeley Plantation, located in Charles City, Virginia, is rich with American history. The main home was built in 1726 by Benjamin Harrison on what was originally 8,000 acres along the James River.
It was here that the ninth United States President, William Henry Harrison was born. Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Harrison V was born here as well. Other important historical events took place at Berkeley Plantation as well.
In 1619 a group of settlers from England landed on the grounds. They celebrated by giving thanks to God for their safe journey. Many consider this to be the very first Thanksgiving.
In 1862 "Taps'' was written on the plantation grounds while it was occupied by McClellan's Union Army.
George Washington and nine other presidents visited Berkeley Plantation including Abraham Lincoln who visited twice during the Civil War.
It was at Berkeley Plantation that the first bourbon whiskey was distilled.
And that is just a taste of the history that has taken place at Berkeley. After the war, the Harrison family was not able to get the plantation back and, over time, it fell into disrepair.
In 1907, a man named John Jamieson purchased the plantation. Jamieson had been a drummer boy at Berkeley in 1862, the year that Taps was written. He began a restoration that his son continued and today Berkeley and the remaining 1,000 acres are open to the public.
Berkeley Plantation is located 18 miles west of Williamsburg and is the oldest 3-story brick house in Virginia. Visitors can see the date stone that was placed by Benjamin Harrison in 1726. A costumed interpreter leads a tour of the home and the grounds and gardens can be explored at the visitor's leisure.
Some visitors were disappointed that the house tour included only rooms on the first floor. Members of the Jamieson family still live at Berkeley Plantation and the top two floors of the house serve as their residence. Other visitors found the gardens, which predate the Revolutionary War, to be the best part of their visit.
The home is furnished in 18th century antiques and the basement houses miniatures of outbuildings that once existed on the property. There are also several Civil War artifacts on display in the basement where guests can also watch a short film about the history of the Berkeley Plantation.
During the holiday season, the plantation house is decked out as it may have been during Christmas long ago. The grounds, situated along the James River, are a popular spot for weddings and Berkeley Plantation is available for such private functions.
Because special events are held at Berkeley quite often, it is a good idea to call ahead to be sure the plantation house and grounds will be open to the public on a particular date.
