Charles City - Berkeley Plantation and Shirley Plantation

Located in Charles City County are two famous plantations, the most famous of which being Berkeley Plantation where past historical events are abundant. Guests can see the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and President William Henry Harrison, our nation's ninth president, and envision Lincoln reviewing 140,000 Union troops. Not far down the road is Shirley Plantation which is the oldest plantation in Virginia, and the oldest family-owned business in North America. Visitors can take guided tours and witness history in the halls of the beautiful houses and buildings of the Plantation.

• Hear "Taps", the Civil War era military song composed here in 1862.
• Enjoy the unique array of birds in the Shirley Plantation such as bluebirds and bald eagles
• Visit the actual site of the first ever Thanksgiving