The Berkeley Plantation Story- 12602 Harrison Landing Rd.

The Story

Berkeley Plantation’s story begins in 1619 as Berkeley Hundred, a settlement established by English colonists. Upon their arrival, they held a thanksgiving prayer service, marking what some consider the first official Thanksgiving in America. The early years were marked by hardship, including conflicts with the Powhatan Confederacy. In 1726, Benjamin Harrison IV built the grand Georgian mansion that stands today. The plantation thrived, growing tobacco and other crops, and became the birthplace of prominent figures like Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President. During the Civil War, Berkeley was occupied by Union troops, and it was here that the echoes of history resonate through the branches of a singular tree. Designated as the “Taps” tree, it stands as a living monument to the mournful bugle call composed on the plantation grounds. While the exact tree under which General Daniel Butterfield and his bugler Oliver Wilcox Norton crafted the melody remains uncertain, this symbolic tree provides a tangible link to a moment of creative inspiration amidst the turmoil of war. Visitors to Berkeley often pause beneath its boughs, reflecting on the enduring legacy of “Taps” and the plantation’s unexpected role in musical history. A photograph of this tree, accompanied by the mournful notes of the bugle call, would offer a touching tribute to the past and a reminder of the power of music to transcend even the darkest of times.

The Design 

The mansion at Berkeley Plantation is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture, characterized by its symmetry, balanced proportions, and classical influences. Built in 1726, it was one of the first three-story brick mansions in Virginia, a testament to the Harrison family’s wealth and prominence. Ten acres of formal terraced gardens, featuring geometric patterns, boxwoods, and vibrant flowering plants, extend down to the James River, creating a picturesque landscape. Original outbuildings, such as the old kitchen and dairy, remain on the grounds, adding to the historical atmosphere and providing a glimpse into the plantation’s past functions.

Stories of the Harrison Family 

You may be wondering why it is called The Berkeley Plantation if the Harrison’s lived there? Well, Benjamin Harrison IV purchased the property in 1691, but it wasn’t until 1726 that he built the current mansion. Even though the Harrisons became the prominent family associated with the estate, the name “Berkeley” stuck. The Harrison family played a significant role in shaping American history, and their stories are intertwined with Berkeley Plantation. Benjamin Harrison V, born at Berkeley, was a passionate patriot who served in the Continental Congress and as Governor of Virginia. His signature can be found on the Declaration of Independence. William Henry Harrison, another son of Berkeley, became the ninth U.S. President, though his presidency was tragically cut short by illness. The plantation is also the ancestral home of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd U.S. President and grandson of William Henry Harrison, further solidifying its connection to presidential history.

The Berkeley Plantation Today 

Today, Berkeley Plantation serves as a museum and historic site, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience 18th-century life. It’s important to remember that slavery was an integral part of the plantation economy and the lifestyle of the Harrison family and other wealthy landowners. The forced labor of enslaved people generated the wealth and sustained the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the plantation owners. Today, Berkeley Plantation acknowledges this difficult past and is making efforts to tell a more inclusive story. They have information available about the enslaved community at Berkeley, including reconstructed slave quarters where two period-accurate slave quarters were built on the property in 2018 and serve as interactive centers where visitors can learn about the lives of enslaved people at Berkeley. The plantation continues to conduct research and archaeological work to uncover more information about the enslaved community and share their stories. They aim to present a more balanced and honest portrayal of the plantation’s history, recognizing the contributions and suffering of the enslaved people who were essential to its operation. When visiting Berkeley Plantation or sharing its story, it’s crucial to remember and acknowledge the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Their stories are an integral part of the plantation’s history and deserve to be recognized and remembered.The current owners are dedicated to preserving the plantation’s history and beauty, offering educational programs and continuing to uncover new layers of its past through ongoing archaeological research. 

 

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