Shipyard of the Revolution

Berkeley Plantation's shipyard, the first successful shipyard on the James, was active through the American Revolution. Founding Father, Declaration of Independence signer, and Berkeley owner Benjamin Harrison V oversaw the building of 18 warships for the Patriot cause. This military production and Harrison's other contributions to American liberty made Berkeley an enemy target. Traitor Benedict Arnold led British troops up the James in January 1781 to ransack Berkeley and destroy its improvements before moving on to raid Richmond.

Virginia · United States