James River plantations
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James River Plantations were established in the Virginia Colony along the James River between the mouth at Hampton Roads and the head of navigation at the fall line where Richmond is today.
Since the river was highway of commerce in the 17th and 18th centuries, the early plantations were established on the north and south banks along it, with most having their own wharfs. A site of 100 acres was a common unit of size, and thus, many early plantations included the word "hundred" in their names. Tobacco was the largest export crop, customarily shipped in large hogsheads.
While most are now long gone, some of the larger and older of the James River plantations are still in use and/or open to the public Almost all are non-government-owned, and houses and/or grounds are generally open daily to visitors with various admission fees applicable.
Partial listing of Plantations in early 17th century
Based upon the makeup of the House of Burgesses, a partial list of early plantations and their representatives were:
- for James City: Ensign William Spense and Captain William Powell
- for Charles City: Samuel Sharpe and Samuel Jordan
- for the City of Henricus: Thomas Dowse and John Plentine
- for Kiccowtan: Captain William Tucker and William Capp
- for Martin-Brandon, Captain John Martin's Plantation: Thomas Davis and Robert Stacy
- for Smythe's Hundred Plantation: Captain Thomas Graves and Walter Shelley
- for Martin's Hundred Plantation (also known as Wolstenholme Towne): John Boys and John Jackson
- for Argall's Gift Plantation: Thomas Pawlett and Edward Gourgainy
- for Flowerdew Hundred Plantation: Ensign Edmund Rossingham and John Jefferson
- for Captain Lawne's Plantation: Captain Christophor Lawne and Ensign Washer
- for Captain Warde's Plantation: Captain John Warde and Lieutenant John Gibbes
Plantations north side of James River
Listed from east to west, some of the plantations on the north side of the James River were:
In western Newport News (formerly Warwick County), the former sites of Richneck Plantation and Denbigh Plantation were located. Further west, Endview Plantation has been restored and is located near Lee Hall just off U.S. Highway 60.
In James City County east of Williamsburg, Carter's Grove Plantation is on the former site of Martin's Hundred Plantation and Wolstenholme Towne. It was temporarily closed to visitors beginning in 2003.
The former site of Green Spring Plantation near Jamestown is currently under archaeological study. Historically the home of Virginia's Royal Governor William Berkeley and other famous Virginians until the American Civil War, the site is now owned by the National Park Service. There are plans underway to open it to visitors by 2008 as part of the Colonial National Historical Park.
In Charles City County to the west across the Chickahominy River, the plantations on the north side of the James River are generally accessed from Virginia State Highway 5.
- Sherwood Forest Plantation is the home of President John Tyler, the first Vice President to ascend to the presidency. Tyler was twice Governor of Virginia, a U.S. Senator, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a Virginia state senator and member of the Virginia House of Delegates. A graduate of The College of William and Mary, he later became Chancellor of that institution. As a supporter of state's rights, he re-entered public service in 1861 as an elected member of the Confederate Congress. He died in 1862. The house and its 1600 acres (6.5 km²) have been continuously owned by his direct descendants. In the mid-1970s, the residence was restored by President Tyler's grandson and his wife, the current owners.
- The House, circa 1730, is "Virginia Tidewater" in architectural design, and is the longest frame dwelling in America. It was expanded to its present length, 300 feet (90 m), by President Tyler in 1845, when he added the 68 foot (21 m) ballroom designed for dancing the Virginia Reel. Sherwood Forest is a National Historic Landmark, Virginia Historic Landmark, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sherwood Forest it is open to the public seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Evelynton Plantation was originally part of William Byrd's expansive Westover Plantation. Named for Byrd's daughter, Evelyn, this site has been home to the Ruffin family since 1847. The 2,500 acre (10 km²) farm is still family owned and operated. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house, lush grounds and gardens are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
- Westover Plantation was built circa 1730 by William Byrd II, the founder of Richmond. It is noteworthy for its secret passages, magnificent gardens, and architectural details. The grounds and garden are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, but the house is not open to the public.
- Berkeley Plantation is the birthplace of a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a U.S. President. Benjamin Harrison, son of the builder of Berkeley and the plantation's second owner, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and three-time Governor of Virginia. William Henry Harrison, Benjamin's third son, born at Berkeley, was the famous Indian fighter known as "Tippecanoe," who later became the ninth President of the United States, in 1841. His grandson, Benjamin Harrison, was the 23rd President. On December 4, 1619, early settlers from England came ashore at Berkeley and observed the first official Thanksgiving in America. It is normally open for tours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
- Shirley Plantation, settled in 1613, is the oldest plantation in Virginia and the oldest family-owned business in North America, dating back to 1638. Occupied by the Hill family and their descendant's since 1738, the mother of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Anne Hill Carter, was born at Shirley and in 1793, married Light Horse Harry Lee in the mansion’s parlor. Shirley Plantation has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It is normally open for tours 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Extant plantations south side of James River
Most of the plantations south of the James River are accessed by Virginia State Highway 10, which runs between Suffolk and Richmond via Smithfield, Surry, and Hopewell.
These south side plantations, from east to west, include:
- Smith's Fort Plantation
- Bacon's Castle
- Chippokes Plantation (now Chippokes Plantation State Park
- Claremont Manor Plantation
- Lower Brandon Plantation
- Upper Brandon Plantation
- Flowerdew Hundred Plantation
- Appomattox Manor (at City Point)
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