In December, the plantation is decorated with traditional holiday decorations of fresh greenery from Berkeley’s gardens. Tours, gift shop, museum, exhibits, special events, and children’s activities …

The staff and family invite you to experience Berkeley’s famous hospitality, as did many of our nation’s early presidents. Visit the site of the first official Thanksgiving.

On December 4, 1619, a band of 35 stalwart Englishmen, led by Captain John Woodlief, arrived at Berkeley Plantation and observed America’s first English-speaking Thanksgiving.

General admission includes one-day admittance to Berkeley’s house, gardens, grounds, exhibits, outbuildings, films, and museums. While we recommend at least 2 hours for your visit, shorter visits …

Berkeley’s history begins in 1619 when settlers observed the first official Thanksgiving in America. The 1726 Georgian mansion is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of …

Enjoy a guided house tour and learn about eighteenth-century life on a plantation. Explore the museum of paintings and artifacts and walk the five terraces of restored gardens leading to the James River.

Berkeley’s Georgian mansion built in 1726 of brick fired on the plantation, occupies a beautifully landscaped hilltop site overlooking the historic James River.

You see, the Berkeley Company had given a very specific list of ten instructions to the settlers when they departed England. The very first instruction was upon landing that they give a prayer of …

In 1691, Berkeley was purchased by Benjamin Harrison III, who established the first successful shipyard on the James River. Tobacco was shipped from the plantation to England and 18-gun battleships …

Berkeley entrance is on the left. From Washington D.C. I-95 South to I295 South to Exit #22A (Route 5 East, Charles City). Travel Route 5 East approximately 13 miles. Berkeley Entrance is on the right. …