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Join us in celebrating the 300th anniversary of Berkeley’s 1726 Georgian mansion, one of the oldest three-story brick homes in Virginia. Built from bricks fired on the plantation, the house overlooks the historic James River, with its datestone bearing the initials of its original owners, Benjamin Harrison IV and his wife, Anne.
As the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, Berkeley honors Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of Independence, governor of Virginia, and the first born in the mansion. His son, William Henry Harrison, ninth U.S. president, was also born and raised at Berkeley. During the Civil War, the house served as a Union field hospital, and it was here in 1862 that the bugle call “Taps” was first played.
Berkeley’s history reaches back to 1619, when settlers aboard the Good Ship Margaret came ashore and observed the first official English Thanksgiving in the New World.
Costumed guides lead tours through the beautifully furnished home, sharing stories of the Harrisons, the Civil War, and the present-day owners. In the basement museum, guests can explore Native American, Colonial, and Civil War artifacts, along with historical paintings and exhibits. Self-guided grounds tours include gardens, original dependencies, and reconstructed slave quarters.
Tours, gardens, riverfront views, museums, seasonal events, and children’s activities make visiting Berkeley an educational and fun experience for the entire family.
A Virginia and National Historic Landmark
Wanna Go?
BerkeleyPlantation.com
(804) 829-6018 Â
12602 Harrison Landing Rd, Charles City, VA 23030
Author: VisitVirginia
