James River Plantations...America's First Castles!

Like many Virginians I live approximately 1 hour from some of the most historic properties in America. Only now,  have I finally found the time to make it up the James River to see some of these truly remarkable history soaked properties.

Today my wife Millie and I started out on our journey with the intention of seeing Westover Plantation. When we arrived at the 2 mile long driveway we noticed that the sign said that Westover will be closed today at 1:00 pm! Well we decide to go take a quick peek and see if we could get a photo or two and what we discovered was a home, grounds and gardens over looking the James River that we absolutely have to come back to see another time!

So luckily for us...right next door...well not so right next door was Berkley Plantation! As we meandered back down Westover's 2 mile long driveway back at the entrance we took a hard left, semi u-turn and started down the driveway to Berkley Plantation. Fortunately the driveway was not as long as the Westover's but it certainly wasn't any less dusty, bumpy and rocky!

                              The Carriage Entrance                Millie on the terrace in the Garden

                                                                               Note the river in the background.

 For More Photos go to: http://www.up2.biz/billbyrd/Posts/4007

At Berkley Plantation we found well manicured grounds, a sensational Georgian home with stunning views of the James River and were greeted in the gift shop by a friendly and welcoming employee. We took the tour of the home with a wonderful and entertaining guide and were simply amazed at the amount of historical events and facts that were related to the history of Berkley Plantation. Here are a few of the facts that we learned while there.

1. On December 4^th 1619 early settlers from England came ashore at Berkley for the first official Thanksgiving in America.
2. In 1621 the first Bourbon Whiskey in America was distilled at Berkley Plantation.
3. In 1622 everyone at Berkley was massacred by Indians.
4. The current home is the 3^rd oldest 3 story brick Georgian style home in Virginia. The home was built by Benjamin Harrison IV in 1726.
5. Benjamin's son another Benjamin Harrison was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
6. William Henry Harrison...Benjamin's 3^rd son became the 9^th President. His grandson Benjamin Harrison became the 23^rd President.
7. George Washington and the next nine Presidents were all guests at Berkley Plantation.
8. In 1862 General George McClellan's Army camped at Berkley after the Battle of Richmond with 140,000 union soldiers. The home was used as a hospital.
9. McClellan was visited by Abraham Lincoln while at Berkley.
10. "Taps" now played by army bugle corps was composed while camping at Berkley Plantation.

The above facts have been recreated from the Visitors Guide at Berkley Plantation.

I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone. For us in Virginia the James River Plantations are just a couple hours at most away and can make for a very nice day trip.

On a hot day take lots of water and wear comfortable shoes! You will do a little walking around! It's very fascinating to see how life must have been for the founding families of our country!

We finished our afternoon with an early supper at the Seasons Restaurant in Merchants Square in Williamsburg and headed for home! We will definitely be back to see the other James River Plantations at another time...maybe we will see you there too!