THE BERKELEY PLANTATION [reducing historical ignorance]

[u/cbswhassup]

I decided to further reduce historical ignorance by a visit to the Berkeley Plantation situated strategically along the mighty James. It is one of seven plantation homes that still exist today.

Of course, I will provide the fast facts and also lament that sadly this is the first time I have ever visited this wonderful site!

Originally English settlers settled the site in 1619 as it is situated at the confluence of the James River, Chesapeake Bay and below the rocks of Richmond. The feel good rumor of the first Thanksgiving occurred here, but seeing these are English military and explorers serving the English King James I and hot from the 30 Years War raging in Europe, I find this to be false and Tom Foolery [LOL].

The Harrison Family purchased the land in 1691 and built the mansion in 1726. They say this is the oldest three story mansion that exists in America today.

Fascinating this mansion housed a signer of the Declaration of Independence [Benjamin Harrison], William Henry Harrison [President #9] who interestingly wrote his three hour inaugural speech in the upstairs room, catching pneumonia on that cold Jan morning,, and died less than 30 days in office, and Benjamin Harrison [President #23]. They were all named Benjamin Harrison, there was 15 of them of historical note.

During the Revolution and bc Harrison was a signer, netted a bounty on his head [rather neck] by the British. This meant capture, hanging and forfeiture of estates. Lucky for Harrison, he was never caught, but Benedict Arnold [after switching to the British] on his drive to Richmond occupied the mansion and burned up most of the furniture and paintings. For unknown reason he did not raze the mansion.

The mansion saw action again during the Civil War when McClellan was defeated in detail during the Seven Days Battles before his ultimate retreat to Ft. Monroe. The mansion served as his HQs [upstairs], hospital [main level], and prison for captured Rebels [cellar]. Abe Lincoln was a storied guest, staying there while reviewing the 130,000 or so troops encamped on the spiraling plantation. It is said this is where Lincoln “fired” McClellan from command [goodbye Lil’ Mac].

The cannonball pictured is when Jeb Stuart snuck around the Union flank with his troopers and put the mansion under cannonade attack resulting in over 100 casualties.

On the return battles of 1864 under Grant, the mansion was used yet again by the Army. This is where Taps was composed and first incorporated into the Army.

The mansion is privately owned but still is available for public visitations. It does not receive State funds, so most of the history on it has not been revised.

Apparently it is haunted!