Have You Ever Visited a Plantation?

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Not very far from where I live are several historic plantation homes, which I have visited, I’m happy to say. But, it’s been a long time and I think I would like to revisit them. First, there is Shirley Plantation: It was founded in 1613 and is reported to be the first Virginia plantation and the “oldest family-owned business in North America,” according to a recent article I read in tourist guide. Shirley plantation has been “owned by the same family for 11 generations.” The history of this beautiful estate includes Indian uprisings, Bacon’s Rebellion and of course, the American Revolution, the Civil War and the Great Depression, among other things. The guided tour includes the Great House, but you can also take a self-guided tour of the formal gardens and eight original colonial outbuildings. Shirley Plantation is a National Historic Landmark and I would recommend a visit to anyone who comes to Virginia. The Berkeley Plantation, whose grounds lie along the James River, was settled in 1619 and is supposedly the site of “America’s First Thanksgiving.” The mansion was built in 1726. Benjamin Harrison, V, who signed the Declaration of Independence was born at Berkeley. William Henry Harrison, the 9th U.S. president was also born at Berkeley and it is the ancestral home of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd U.S. president. There are many other historic plantations in Virginia, but these are the two that I have visited and want to revisit one day soon.