Shirley Plantation

Shirley Plantation

Shirley Plantation sits majestically on the north bank of the James River in Charles City County, Virginia. It is the oldest active plantation in Virginia and the oldest family-owned business in all of North America. The plantation itself dates back to 1614 and was established by Sir Thomas West, a baron. It grew tobacco to be shipped to other colonies and to England. Edward Hill obtained part of the land in 1638.

James River

The Georgian, red-brick house standing today was started in 1723 and completed in 1738. The original Hill House had remained until the late 1860's, when it was torn down. Today, Hill descendants live in the upstairs rooms, and the downstairs is open to visitors. It may not be the largest or best known plantation in Virginia, but it's still quite impressive and worth the visit.

Kitchen

The estate includes several outbuildings, including a large kitchen with living quarters for slaves, a two-story laundry with rooms for slaves, an ice house, a smokehouse, a stable, a storehouse, and a round dovecote. Strolling around the grounds is like stepping back in time and experiencing history.

Dovecote

Stable

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