Shirley Plantation celebrates milestone 400th anniversary

The ‘Great House’ at Shirley Plantation has stood tall since 1738 and continues to welcome tourists from across the world.

Andre' Jones photos

As a centerpiece of Charles City County, Shirley Plantation has served as a keen place for military history, agricultural development, architectural design, and a tourist attraction. And after 400 years, the celebration continued on Oct. 12.

The historic milestone culminated with a wine festival and more than 150 guests to recognize the plantation. Among noted attendees were Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore and Charles City District 1 Supervisor Gilbert Smith.

Shirley Plantation’s history and growth originated in 1613 as land for a military fort. The importance of the location would only grow, according to plantation historian Julian Charity.

“Shirley originally consisted of 4,000 acres of land,” said Charity. “As with families back then, it was divided among sons, but through it all, it has survived through a lot and that’s what makes it special.”

Edward Hill gained ownership of the grounds in 1638, becoming the first of three generations of Hills to establish the location. John Carter would marry the great-granddaughter of Hill, which signified the first of eight current generations that now operate Shirley Plantation.

Carter established the “Great House” in 1738. Construction of the house took 15 years, which is considered remarkable for that time, according to Charity.

“The architectural design and construction of the building is phenomenal, considering the lifespan [of 40 years] to standards where it remains today intact,” commented Charity.

The buildings on the grounds contain 85 to 90 percent of the original architecture, according to the historian, including many of the four million bricks used to construct multiple buildings. Randy Carter, deputy director of marketing and a descendant of John Carter, spoke on the impact of the plantation not just in Charles City, but the nation as well.

“We are the oldest family-owned business in North America,” commented the proud descendant. “We are also the oldest plantation in Virginia, which is saying something when you talk about the history of the state.

“Shirley has represented the county well,” continued Carter. “We employ county residents and it has been an economic engine for not only Charles City County, but the world.”

“As a county resident, I’m amazed by the international influence it has,” added Charity. “We have people from Europe, Australia, Canada, and South America who come here to see the grounds.

“Shirley Plantation is the most intact plantation in the country,” concluded the historian.

Business influences were apparent during the wine tasting festival on the grounds. Philip Carter Winery that operates out of Cleve Plantation in Northern Virginia, presented the first bottle of “Shirley Chardonnay” to highlight the anniversary. The connection the winery has to Shirley? Cleve Plantation was founded by Charles Carter, brother of John Carter.

From a military site to a privately owned home to a tourist attraction, Shirley’s grounds continue to adapt with changes in culture. Now, the northern part of the location is harvesting a winery, just another facet of agriculture for what was the centerfold of the farming world in the 1600s.

Shirley Plantation is open free of charge to residents of Charles City County. For information about the plantation, visit www.shirleyplantation.com.

Carter family members (l to r) Randy and Charles Carter receive one of the first bottles of Shirley Chardonnay from Philip Carter Winery, as a gift to recognize the 400th anniversary of Shirley Plantation.