Location:
Charles City County
12606 Harrison Landing Road
Charles City, VA 23030
GPS Coordinates:
Longitude: 37.217N
Latitude: 77.180W
Historical Significance:
The birthplace of Colonel Benjamin Harrison, V, April 5, 1726-April 24, 1791. Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Member of the House of Burgess, Continental Congress, Fifth Governor of Virginia (1781-1784). Also the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, ninth president of the United States, and ancestral home of Benjamin Harrison, the twenty-third president of the United States and great grandson of Benjamin Harrison, V. First Lady Caroline Scott Harrison, wife of President Benjamin Harrison, lent her prestige to the founding of the NSDAR. Mrs. Harrison served as NSDAR's first President General.
Taps was first played here in 1864.
Cemetery Significance:
-
Colonel Benjamin Harrison, V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence
-
Elizabeth Harrison, wife of Benjamin Harrison V
Historical Designation:
- National Register of Historic Places
- State Historical Commission
Marker Text:
1977:
The Williamsburg Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
Honors Benjamin Harrison Patriot-Statesman-Signer
of The Declaration of Independence
2016:
Cemetery Restoration by
Williamsburg Chapter NSDAR
To Honor All Patriots
Their Descendants and
To the Memory of
John H. Proctor, Ph.D.
Funding:
The Berkeley Plantation house, grounds and cemetery is maintained by the current property owner. From 2015-2016, the Williamsburg Chapter NSDAR raised funds, and memorial funds were added by DAR member Karen Jane Proctor-Corbett, to assist in needed restoration and maintenance of the cemetery including repair of broken tombstones. A local Boy Scout troop also provided assistance in improving the cemetery appearance.
Physical Condition:
- Preserve
Tourism:
- Open to Public: Yes
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Admission Fees: $15
- Lodging: No
Promotional Materials Available:
-
Brochures: Yes - Website Link
-
Calendar Events: Yes - Website Link
Acknowledgement:
The Williamsburg Daughters are not involved in funding or maintaining the cemetery annually. However, on Independence Day, since 1974, the Williamsburg Chapter, NSDAR, holds a ceremony at the cemetery to Honor Benjamin Harrison V, Signer of the Declaration of Independence.
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