The Historic Berkeley Plantation
During a recent photo excursion I visited the historic Berkeley Plantation located in Charles City, just outside Richmond, Virginia. I arrived at the site early that morning with cameras at the ready. When shooting a site, I like to capture the morning sun when possible. With the many locations at Berkeley, even the later noon-time sun offered unique shadows as I shot the property.
For anyone interested in our American history, Berkeley Plantation is certainly a necessary place for a stop. The occupants toiled and survived the many challenges of the Civil War. Berkeley was also the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison, a signer of our Declaration of Independence. One surprise to me was that this was the actual location of our nation's first Thanksgiving in 1619. I wondered, "What about the Mayflower?" When sailors departed England in the "Good Ship Margaret", they crossed the Atlantic and dropped anchor at the Berkeley Plantation. It was here, that they expressed their thankfulness to God for their safe passage with America's first English-speaking thanksgiving.
In addition to much more history than can be written here, the well-known bugle song, "Taps" originated at this same location.
The images shown here are just a small portion of a greater collection. To see the full collection, visit the Anthony M. Davis Gallery.
The Berkeley Plantation main home faces a large series of box gardens.
One of four box gardens at the Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia.
A quiet Chippendale gazebo was used by Benjamin Harrison at the Berkeley Plantation.
History and challenge, the Berkeley Plantation main home stands with beauty and stature.
Leading from the entrance to the Berkeley Plantation, this pathway offers a beautiful view of the woods.
A view of the basement below the Berkeley Plantation main home.
An historic building stands amidst the trees at the Berkeley Plantation.
At the far end of the Berkeley Plantation lawn, the main home sets behind gardens and trees.
Not far from the James River shore, sets a quiet pond.
Near the shore of the James River, a shrine stands in honor of America's first Thanksgiving.
A quiet row of trees lead down a path. At the end and to the right an historic cemetery awaits.
A panoramic view of the lawn and trees at the Berkeley Plantation.
Trees and gardens are aligned in near perfect symmetry at Berkeley Plantation.
Near the Berkeley Plantation pond, a large rock provides a serene viewing place for the beautiful colors.
