Berkeley Plantation

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the sweetest black cat named George, who made the visit even more special! He followed us around the plantation and even settled into my lap at the start of the tour--such a charming addition to the experience.The tour guide was fantastic--thorough, knowledgeable, and kind. She answered all our questions with enthusiasm and really brought the history of the plantation to life.The grounds were absolutely stunning, and seeing the monument to the first Thanksgiving and the creation of TAPS added a meaningful touch to the visit.A truly memorable experience--highly recommend!

I cannot say enough good about this place. The history of this place predates the pilgrims and takes you on an impelling journey through the American Revolution as well as the Civil War. On the way, you'll meet a signer of the Declaration of Independence and hear of his two descendants connected to this place who both became Presidents of the United States. You'll also hear the direct connections to ten other Presidents as well as such revolutionary luminaries like Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. Even Abraham Lincoln is directly connected to the Berkeley Plantation!You'll also explore the origins of our Thanksgiving observance as well as the invention of "Taps."For any student of history, RUN don't walk to visit this extraordinary place. If you're lucky enough to have Clarence as your guide, be ready. His historical facts are not only fascinating, but also a bit like drinking water from a fire hydrant. This place is amazing!!

We added Berkeley Plantation to our list of historical sites to visit on a recent trip as we were stopping by several presidential homes and sites in VA--Washington, Madison, Monroe, Jefferson, Wilson...and here in and around Charles City are two (Tyler, and here at Berkeley, WH Harrison). We were unaware of how much history this location has been home to, however: home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence as well as his son a future president and grandson another future president; birthplace of "Taps"; site of the first Thanksgiving and a major scene in Indigenous-British settler disputes (to say the least); battles and events key to both the Revolutionary and Civil wars; and much more.Our tour guide was fantastic and taking that guided tour is highly recommended. Check out the grounds and exhibits, stroll through the gardens and along the river. Pick something up in the gift shop and while in the area take a quick tour of the Tyler estate as well (Sherwood Forest), just know that tours of that house are by appointment only and made well in advance as the home is still under Tyler family ownership.

Beautiful and well kept. The tour was amazing. Definitely worth it and would recommend.

My wife and I stumbled upon this plantation while driving from Williamsburg to Richmond. It wasn't planned but I'm so glad we stopped in. The grounds are beautiful and the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. After a short video we toured the house. The historic house is well preserved and has a ton to offer. The rain cut us a little short today but we will definitely be back!

Berkeley is a great place to learn about the history of America and Virginia. Sure was great to see George on this visit!. Sad to hear Shane is no longer with the Berkeley Plantation. He was always fun to talk to about the history of the plantation and was a wealth of knowledge.Thankyou for making the plantation available to the public--such a awakening of the past.

It's not close to other areas (23 miles) but we'll worth visiting! The mansion is only the first floor. Then a movie in basement with displays. The kitchen is another building that you explore on your own. Tours start with a movie and display of the people's relationships. This the story of 3 families with Benjamin Harrison the center of history. The James River, slave quarters, and the gardens with Canadian Geese!Walk the grounds!

I was visiting my son at Ft. Gregg-Adams and honestly stumbled upon this plantation. Greatest stumble ever!!! The grounds were absolutely beautiful, and the guide had a wealth of information. I highly recommend the guided tour. To be honest I knew nothing of this plantation and was happy for all the information. This house played a role in our history, it's a shame that it's not taught in schools across the country. The grounds felt like something right out of the 1600's. Walking the paths, I could imagine all the parties and forbidden strolls. If you have ever watched Vampire Diaries, it reminded me of the scene with Katherine being chased by the Salvatore Brothers, lol.

Historic my family is from there. My grandfather told me and we went on my choir trip and sang there.

I am the fifth great granddaughter of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president of the United States. And the sixth grade granddaughter of also the ninth president of the United States, William Henry Harrison. I have been to the plantation and I will be back with my family. For those that don't know about the place it is worth the visit. For me, the experience to touch my fourth grandmother's quilt that she made for her bed. I'll never forget it too bad she couldn't see it.Patti Harrison