Charles City County: Plantation History and River Landscapes

Charles City County lies between Williamsburg and Richmond along the Route 5 Scenic Byway and the Virginia Capital Trail. Two rivers continue to shape the county’s natural surroundings. Historic estates, river views, wildlife watching, and trails give this destination a variety of facets. When planning, it helps to choose a focus first: plantation history, nature experiences, or a tour along the trail.

Plantations, Mansions, and History

Westover was built around 1730 by William Byrd II. Its lawn offers an impressive view of the James River, with eagles circling above. Berkeley Plantation also connects several prominent historical landmarks: The present-day mansion was built in 1726 by Benjamin Harrison IV, and the estate was the site of the first official Thanksgiving in 1619. Costumed tours of the Georgian mansion are offered daily. The gardens also overlook the James River.

President John Tyler lived with his family at Sherwood Forest from 1842 until his death in 1862. Kittewan is a medium-sized colonial-era plantation house overlooking the marshy Kittewan Creek. Shirley Plantation was founded in 1613 and is described as Virginia’s first plantation. These places offer different historical perspectives, from colonial-era architecture to the history of a president.

Piney Grove at Southall’s Plantation combines history with vernacular architecture: The estate is a museum devoted to both subjects. The gardens, grounds, and nature trail are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for self-guided visits. Visitors can learn more about the county’s history at the Charles City County Visitor Center, located in the county’s historic 1901 Clerk’s Office. Its four interactive outdoor exhibits cover the historic Charles City courthouse and engagements there during the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

River Landscapes and Wildlife Watching

The Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park encompasses 24 acres along the James River. A pier is available for fishing and birdwatching, along with a short boardwalk through the swamp, a wooded trail, and a boat ramp. Eagles, great blue herons, and other waterfowl live in the park. Here, visitors can explore several aspects of the river environment, from views of the riverbanks to a trail through wooded and marshy terrain.

Mowed trails in the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area invite visitors to hike. The area is also well suited to wildlife watching: Ospreys and bald eagles are often spotted along the Chickahominy River’s steep banks and within the area. The Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery adds two more activities to the nature experience: fishing and wildlife watching are available there.

Trails and Tours

The Virginia Capital Trail is 51.7 miles long, fully paved, and designed as a multi-use trail; it passes through Charles City County. The Charles City Courthouse is one of the free parking locations along the trail. There is also a public restroom there. For a tour by bicycle or another two-wheeled vehicle, Market 5 is a convenient stop: Located directly on the Virginia Capital Trail, it features shops, local food, and other experiences in repurposed shipping containers.

There is also a scenic route suited to driving: The Virginia 5&Dime Route is a scenic driving route with distinctive stops for visitors, and it passes through Charles City County. Together with the Virginia Capital Trail, it offers another way to explore the county—by car or along a paved multi-use trail.

Local Food, Farm Visits, and Traditions

Indian Fields Tavern serves American bistro cuisine in a rustic farmhouse setting. The property also includes a tasting room for 5 Fields Brewery. Historic Peace Hill Farm offers free self-guided farm tours as well as guided tours, during which visitors can enter enclosures and pastures and see the animals up close. In suitable weather, the Sunday Supper experience may include an optional hayride.

Regional traditions are also part of the county’s character. The annual Chickahominy Fall Festival and Pow-wow tradition began in 1951; traditional dance is a central part of every Chickahominy Pow-wow. Thus, in addition to historic estates and natural areas, Charles City County offers a cultural event with a long tradition.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Charles City, King William County, Campbell, Northampton County, Floyd County, Wythe County, Salem, Colonial Heights

For the main travel overview: Virginia.