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Charles City County is a living museum of history, architecture and man’s stewardship of the land. Her residents have witnessed every major event in American history and given their Berkeley Plantation National Historic Landmark Berkeley, one of Virginia’s most historic plantations, is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V., signer of the Declaration of Independence and William Henry Harrison, ninth U.S. president. The first official Thanksgiving was held here (1619). “Taps” was composed here (1862) at the Civil War Headquarters of General McClellan. Costumed guides conduct tours of the 1726 Georgian mansion daily. Outstanding gardens overlook the James River. Civil War Trails site Open daily 9-5 Phone: (888) 466-6018
Charles City County Visitor Center & Courthouse P.O. Box 128 National Register of Historic Places The Visitor Center is located in the county’s historic 1901 Clerk’s Office adjacent to the 3rd oldest courthouse in the country. Visitor Center exhibits invite guests to experience “the story of America in one small county” and acquaint visitors with things to see and do. Four outdoor interpretive exhibits provide visitors with information about Charles City’s historic courthouse and engagements at the courthouse during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Open daily 9-5 Phone: (804) 652-4701
Edgewood Plantation National Register of Historic Places Edgewood, built ca. 1849 in the Gothic Revival Style, surprises visitors with its northern exterior and southern interior, including a double spiral staircase and 10 fireplaces. Edgewood was used to hold services for Westover Church during the Civil War. Grounds and gardens open daily 10:30 – 4:30. Phone: (804) 829-2962
North Bend Plantation National Register of Historic Places North Bend Plantation, ca 1801, was built by John Minge for his wife Sarah Harrison, sister of William Henry Harrison, 9th U.S. president. Gen. Sheridan and his union troops occupied the area in 1864. Heirlooms at North Bend trace the family history to previous owners of Westover, Evelynton and Berkeley Plantations. Civil War Trails site Grounds and gardens open daily. Phone: (804) 829-5176
Piney Grove at Southall’s Plantation - 1790 National Register of Historic Places Established as a seat of the Southall family, today the grounds also include Ashland-1835, Dower Quarter – 1835, Ladysmith – 1857, and Duck Church – 1917. The self-guided grounds tour includes exhibits, gardens and nature trail. On many Saturdays, or by appointment for groups, progressive guided “Tours-by-the-Owners” featuring all five historic buildings, and the gardens and grounds are offered. Civil War Trails site Grounds and gardens open daily. Phone: (804)829-2196
River's Rest Marina & Resort River’s Rest is located on the Chickahominy River, one of the cleanest, most picturesque in Virginia. The 60 slip marina includes floating docks, double finger piers and dual 30 & 50 amp 220 electrical service. Drinks, gas, oil, bait, maps, boat supplies and fishing tackle sold. Pontoon boat rentals available. Open daily Phone: (804) 829-2753
Sherwood Forest Plantation National Historic Landmark Sherwood Forest Plantation was the home of the 10th U.S. President John Tyler from 1842 until his death in 1862, and has been continuously occupied by his descendants since that time. Original dependencies surround the home, along with a magnificent collection of tress and landscaped grounds. Enjoy a virtual tour of the home on our web site. Civil War Trails site Open 9-5 daily for self-guided grounds tours. Phone: (804)-829-5377
Shirley Plantation 1613 National Historic Landmark The Carter family invites you to experience eleven generations of American history through the eyes of one family. The Carter family is grateful to the visitors who support the preservation of our historic home. Shirley is Virginia’s first plantation (1613) and the oldest family-owned business in North America (1638). Educational programs and hands-on activities are constantly upgraded and are available for students of all ages. Today, Shirley continues to be a working farm, a private family home and a growing business. To learn more about Shirley and its tours, archeological activities, hands-on programs, and gift shop visit our web site. Civil War Trails site Open daily 9-5 Phone: (800) 282-1613
National Historic Landmark Westover is one of the most elegant colonial plantations. It was built about 1730 by William Byrd II, founder of Richmond and Petersburg, and is widely known for its superb proportions and the finest 18th century iron gates in this country. Self-guided grounds tour includes a walled garden, original dependencies and original site of Charles City Courthouse and Westover Parish Church and graveyard. Civil War Trails site Grounds and gardens open daily 9-6. Phone: (804) 829-2882
Westover Church National Register of Historic Places Westover Parish was established in 1625, and the original church was located on Westover Plantation. A new church was built at this location in 1731. Used as a stable during the Civil War, it was restored to service in 1867 and has been faithfully supported ever since. Through the centuries, farmers, plantation owners, slaves and presidents, including Washington, Jefferson, Harrison, Tyler, and Theodore Roosevelt, have worshipped in the church. Open: Daily 9-5 Attractions (By Appointment & Seasonal)
Belle Air Plantation National Register of Historic Places Built ca. 1670, this important architectural monument uniquely survives in the South. Huge timbers provide structure and interior decorative panels. Summer beams and the fine original Jacobean stair balustrade are particularly ornamental. Heirloom collections of exceptionally fine 18th century English and American antiques, including antique oriental carpets tastefully complete the décor of the first and second floors. Open: By appointment for groups of 20 or more. Phone: (804) 829-2431
One of two surviving grist mills in Charles City County, Edna Mill stands across the road from an 18th century miller’s home, with outbuildings which include a smoke house and outdoor kitchen, all in the process of restoration. Guided tours given if we are home or by appointment. Phone: (804) 966-5025
Fort Pocahontas at Wilson’s Wharf National Register of Historic Places Ft. Pocahontas at Wilson’s Wharf was the site of the action between the United States Colored Troops (USCTs) and the Confederate Cavalry on 24 May 1864. Although outnumbered by the 2,500 cavalry led by Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, the 1400 USCTs successfully defended the fort under the leadership of Gen. Edward A. Wild. The action comes alive each year during the weekend prior to Memorial Day. Open by appointment for groups of 10 or more. Phone: (804) 829-9722
National Register of Historic Places Land given to Governor George Yeardley in 1617. Home of Dr. William Rickman appointed by Continental Congrees, May 16, 1776, in charges of hospitals in Virginia during the Revolutionary War. Occupied by Union Forces during the Civil War. Museum of Americana. Headquarters of the Archeology Society of Virginia. House and grounds tours scheduled days and by appointment. Phone: (804) 829-2272
Renwood Fields & Farm Museum With music, scripts and interactive activities, the cornfield maze and museum provide an agritainment event in which all generations can be entertained. Seasonal: Phone: (804) 829-5399 |
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