Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features of Berkeley Plantation
Berkeley Plantation, located along the James River in Charles City County, is recognized as one of the most historically significant plantations in Virginia. Its history spans four centuries, beginning with the 1619 landing of English settlers who observed what the site owners cite as the first official Thanksgiving in America, predating the Pilgrims’ celebration. The plantation’s main residence, a three-story brick Georgian mansion built in 1726, is an important architectural landmark.
The site is notable as the birthplace of U.S. president: William Henry Harrison (the ninth president). It was also the ancestral home of Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and three-time Governor of Virginia. During the Civil War, the plantation was occupied by General George B. McClellan’s Union Army, serving as their headquarters in 1862. It was here, while camped at the site known as Harrison’s Landing, that General Daniel Butterfield composed the familiar bugle call, “Taps.”
Visitors can expect a blend of mansion, garden, and museum tours at one of several Presidents’ homes in Virginia. Guided house tours feature a rare collection of 18th-century antiques and offer narratives covering the Harrison family, the first Thanksgiving claim, and the Civil War occupation. The grounds include five terraces of restored gardens that lead down to the James River. The site also features exhibits on the lives of the enslaved workers who lived and labored at Berkeley, providing a more considered view of colonial life.
Planning your visit to Berkeley Plantation
General admission covers access to the house tour, gardens, grounds, exhibits, and the basement museum.
- House tours: Tours of the 1726 Georgian mansion are led by costumed guides and are typically conducted every hour throughout the day.
- Gardens and grounds: The terraced gardens and grounds, which offer river views, are self-guided. Visitors are encouraged to explore the outbuildings, including the original kitchen and reconstructed enslaved quarters.
- Seasonal events: Berkeley hosts several annual events, including a celebration of the 1619 Thanksgiving on the first Sunday in November, and various historical tours throughout the year, such as Civil War-focused programs.
- Duration: It is recommended to allow at least two hours for your visit to fully appreciate the house tour and explore the extensive grounds and exhibits.
Admission and typical operating hours for Berkeley Plantation
The plantation is generally open daily, with closures observed on major holidays. You can check for unexpected closures on the Berkeley Plantation website.
| Item | Details (checked December 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hours of operation | Generally 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily (Ticket Sales). Grounds are open later. | Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. |
| Adult admission | $18.00 (General Admission) | Includes guided house tour, gardens, and exhibits. |
| Senior (60+) / Military | $16.50 / $16.50 | Discounted general admission rate. |
| Children (ages 6–16) | $7.50 | Children under 6 are free. |
Nearby attractions
Berkeley Plantation is situated on Virginia’s Route 5, part of a historic area known for its concentration of significant James River Plantations.
- Shirley Plantation: Located nearby, this is Virginia’s first plantation (1613) and the oldest family-owned business in North America, having been occupied by the Hill-Carter family for 11 generations.
- Sherwood Forest Plantation: The former home of the 10th U.S. President John Tyler, notable for being the longest frame house in America.
- Westover Plantation: Considered a premiere example of Georgian architecture, known for its fine architectural details and gardens.
- Virginia Capital Trail: A 52-mile paved recreational path that connects Richmond and Williamsburg, providing a great option for biking or walking between the historic James River Plantations.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Berkeley Plantation
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Berkeley Plantation the site of the first Thanksgiving? | The plantation owners assert that a service of thanksgiving was held here on December 4, 1619, by English settlers, marking America’s first official annual Thanksgiving, one year before the Plymouth celebration. |
| What is the connection between Berkeley Plantation and “Taps”? | The well-known military bugle call “Taps” was composed by General Daniel Butterfield and first played here in 1862 when the plantation was the Union Army’s headquarters during the Civil War. |
| What presidents were born at Berkeley Plantation? | William Henry Harrison (ninth U.S. President) was born here. His great-grandson, Benjamin Harrison (twenty-third U.S. President) was born in Ohio. |
| Are the slave quarters viewable? | Yes, the grounds include exhibits, including a reconstructed slave quarters and the original kitchen dependency, which explore the history of the enslaved population at the site. |
| Are reservations required for a visit? | Reservations are generally only required for groups of 10 or more people, and for specialized events like ghost tours or themed Civil War tours. |
