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While On Vacation...

This page is completely Photos from our visit to Berkeley Plantation on the James River. This historic plantation includes the site of a very early English settlement, and has been the home of a very influential family. Benjamin Harrison V was a signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776, and William Henry Harrison, our Ninth President. This family, also, produced the Twenty−Third President, Benjamin Harrison.

The plantation has continued in operation, and has endured numerous wars. There are not many places where so much history has transpired.

The Site of the First Thanksgiving Day celebration

An Historic Site
The property of the Berkeley Plantation backs up to the James River, where a very early English settlement began. It is the scene of the first Thanksgiving Day, in 1619, and that predates the one in Massachusetts by a year.

The settlers were under a mandate to stop, and have a day to thank God for their safe trip, once they had arrived from England.

See http://www.berkeleyplantation.com/ for more info...

A Plaque dedicated to 'TAPS'

Another Historic Site
This Plaque was dedicated to the place where the music 'TAPS' was adapted to be played on Bugle. When the day is done, or the life of soulders is done, it is customary to play this tune.

Most of us have probably never heard the full rendition of "Il Silenzio", otherwise known as "Taps". It was written originally in Italy in 1865. Taps, as played by the military, is a shortened modified version of this piece, and that was done on this site.

Ladies' Winter Garden
I wasn't sure at first why this was named so, but it seems like a very well protected spot to enjoy a cool Winter's day. The Ladies most likely sought this refuge when the sun was shining.

Certainly, this is a marvelous place to sit during any season, and I'm sure the people loved it as much as we did!

A great garden at Berkeley
A short walk from the house is this slendid garden. It is a feature of theis property that found ot be striking. I try my hand at gardening some, and know how much work is involved in keeping something so pretty as this!

Gazebo at Berkely

A Nice Gazebo
What a wonderful spot to enjoy such a beutiful day! This Gazebo must have been a place of relaxation for many over the years. I have often thought of how nice to have such a backyard to enjoy.

South entrance of the House

Berkeley South Entrance
A short way from the Ladies' Winter Garden is the South entry to the house. We thought this view was stunning, and made for many ladscaping ideas of our own.

Don't miss our other Photos!

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