Berkeley Plantation, Virginia

The Berkeley Plantation was the home of the first Thanksgiving celebration. Captain John Woodliffe arrived at this location from Prestwood, England on December 4, 1619 and proclaimed "Impr wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrivall at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perputualy keept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to almighty God."

Some years later the property was purchased by Col. Benjamin Harrison V., signer of the Declaration of Independence. Besides building the original plantation, he was the father and great grandfather of two US presidents.

To me there is something very southern about a weeping willow tree.

Unfortunately no photography was allowed inside the home, which was very well restored and/or preserved, complete with period furnishings.

In the basement is a small museum and film room that tells the story of the property.

The original brick floor from the plantation built in the 1700s!

Life was difficult and uncertain in the early colonial years as can be attested by the embedded cannon ball in the side of the kitchen.

The original slate roof from the 1700s. Good quality lasts...