Berkeley Plantation

See one of the first plantations in America.

The Berkeley Plantation has a lot of history. Built in 1776, it features Georgian architecture, and the bricks were fired on the plantation. It was home to one of the Declaration of Independence signers and a governor of Virginia. William Henry Harrison was born at Berkeley. He was the 9th president of the United States. Harrison's grandson, Benjamin Harrison, became the 23rd president of the United States. He also lived here. During the Civil War, Berkeley was occupied by General George McClellan's Union troops. While stationed at Berkeley, General Daniel Butterfield composed the song "Taps."

Visitors can also see the guest house. It has since been renovated and acts as a gift shop. It is believed that the house slaves lived on the 2nd floor of that building. The Berkeley Plantation sits on 1,000 acres on the bank of the James River. It was named after the Berkeley Company of England. Tours are available and the guides wear period costumes. The mansion is filled with antiques and artifacts from the 18th century. You are also welcome to explore the gardens and monuments outside and see the Harrison family graveyard. You may want to celebrate the historic 1619 landing and Thanksgiving Festival if you want to visit in the fall. In December, Berkeley is lit up with traditional holiday decorations. No matter when you want to come, the plantation is open daily from 9:30 am - 4 pm.