For this reason, Sutherlin is often referred to as the “Last Capitol of the Confederacy.”. In 1912, this grandiose house cost two million dollars to complete. Colonial National Historical Park and Jamestown Settlement, in Jamestown. To this day, the 11th generation continues to own, operate, and work this grand southern plantation. The chronicle of Shirley Plantation best exemplifies the period in our nation’s history between the settlement at Jamestown in 1607 and the movement towards American independence from Britain in 1776. Before long, in Charles City County, the 20th century seems to melt away, replaced by an agricultural landscape — corn, winter wheat, soybeans, and cotton are the principal crops — that has neither traffic lights nor large towns to interfere with its idyllic calm. Get more stories delivered right to your email. More importantly, they have rich stories to tell because they played significant roles in our nation’s history. Hundreds of artifacts, including a tablecloth from the USS Monitor, are on display in the museum’s 1862 Peninsula Campaign Gallery. Shirley tells the story of the Hill-Carter family, eyewitnesses to 11 generations of American history. The house was a second home to Major James Dooley, who was an executive of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. Many buildings were destroyed by fire when Richmond was evacuated as Union troops approached in 1865. Shirley Motorists approach the mansion here by driving down Shirley Plantation Road, which becomes a dirt lane that ends at a cluster of 18th-century brick outbuildings, called dependencies. 5 meets Rte. Which are some of your favorites? Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Those who tour the museum today can enjoy seeing armor, period furniture, musical instruments and painting which date back to the house’s beginnings. For information, contact the Garden Club of Virginia; tel. The building that currently houses Danville’s Museum of Fine Arts and History was known as the Sutherlin Mansion, the former home of Major William T. Sutherlin. Love Virginia? For more information visit the Lee Hall Mansion website. Down through the centuries, those streets have witnessed more than their share of history. In its past, this elaborate house represented the state’s social and political life. Aberdeen is a historic plantation house located several miles north of Disputanta, in Prince George County, Virginia. 800-932-5827,www.virgina.org. The grounds — 29 acres of lawns, terraced gardens, and woods containing more than 80 kinds of trees — also are open to the public. Though the home is privately owned, tours can be arranged by appointment. The house was built in honor of Sarah Fairfax, who at the time was part of one of the most noteworthy families in Virginia. Of all of Virginia’s historic buildings, Shirley Plantation is the most authentic colonial home in the country. After decades of restoration, the birthplace of President William Henry Harrison, which was completed in 1726, regained its standing as one of America’s most distinguished landmarks. Virginia’s Historic Triangle is known for its impressive, historic plantations. Also noteworthy is the wooden pineapple — a symbol of hospitality — perched atop its mansard roof. They boast 150-year-old tulip trees, a formal garden, and a sweep of lawn that unfurls like a carpet down to the ever-present river. Unlike most of the James River Plantations Aberdeen was built back from the River along the old river road (now Rte 10). Up until the years of the Civil War, Oatlands was a prominent plantation. Route Details Length: About 75 miles, plus side trips. Self-guided tours through the lavish gardens surrounding the home are also available. 60. Belle Grove is located in the northern Shenandoah Valley near Middletown, Virginia. Swannonoa is open to visitors by appointment only. For more information, visit the Berkeley Plantation website. The building itself dates back to the 15th century, when it stood as an English manor home. copyright=new Date(); update=copyright.getFullYear(); document.write("Copyright © "+ update + " Williamsburg Tours"); Website designed and maintained by Smellycat Productions.