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Berry Hill Plantation

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Coordinates: 36°41′55″N 78°56′39″W / 36.69861°N 78.94417°W / 36.69861; -78.94417
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For other estates using Berry Hill name, including 3 in Virginia, see Berry Hill (disambiguation).
Berry Hill
Berry Hill
Berry Hill Plantation is located in Virginia
Berry Hill Plantation
Berry Hill Plantation is located in the United States
Berry Hill Plantation
LocationS of jct. of Rtes. 659 and 682, near South Boston, Virginia
Coordinates36°41′55″N 78°56′39″W / 36.69861°N 78.94417°W / 36.69861; -78.94417
Area1,275 acres (516 ha) (landmarked area)
Built1839 (1839)
ArchitectJohn E. Johnson
Architectural styleGreek Revival
NRHP reference No.69000246
VLR No.041-0004
Significant dates
Added to NRHPNovember 25, 1969[2]
Designated NHLNovember 11, 1971[3]
Designated VLRNovember 5, 1968[1]

Berry Hill Plantation, also known simply as Berry Hill, is a historic plantation located on the west side of South Boston in Halifax County, Virginia, United States. The main house, transformed c. 1839 into one of Virginia's finest examples of Greek Revival architecture, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1969.[3][4] The surviving portion of the plantation, which was once one of the largest in the state, is now a conference and event center.

Description and history

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Berry Hill is located on a site that is now about 650 acres (260 ha) in size,[5] between River Rd. and the Dan River on the west side of South Boston. The main house is a two-story brick structure, finished in stucco and topped by a gabled roof. The main facade is in emulation of the Parthenon, with eight massive Doric columns supporting an entablature and fully pedimented gable.[4]

With some 3,600 acres (1,500 ha) at its height,[6] the plantation was one of the largest in Virginia. The plantation has one of the largest slave cemeteries in Virginia, holding the graves of more than two hundred slaves, and includes well-preserved slave quarters.

The plantation was originally owned by Isaac Coles, who began using slaves in 1802. In 1814 and 1841, the plantation changed owners, finally ending up under the control of James Coles Bruce in 1832.[6] Bruce is credited with transforming the existing 18th-century brick plantation house then standing into the Greek Revival mansion seen today. Bruce is believed to have consulted with architect John E. Johnson, who designed Staunton Hill, the mansion of his half-brother.[4]

Today

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The main house is now the centerpiece of the Berry Hill Resort and Conference Center, which provides accommodations and event facilities for weddings and corporate events. In 2023, the resort was found to have violated its historic preservation easement by partially demolishing the overseer's house on the property.

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  • Berry Hill in 2017
    Berry Hill in 2017
  • Stone slave quarters
    Stone slave quarters

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  2. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  3. ^ a b "Berry Hill". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on January 1, 2008. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  4. ^ a b c Staff, Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission; James W. Moody Jr., Director (April 25, 1969), National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Berry Hill (pdf), National Park Service and Accompanying three photos, exterior, from 1969 (32 KB)
  5. ^ "Rich History". Berry Hill Resort. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  6. ^ a b Sale, Edith Tunis (1909). Manors of Virginia in Colonial Times. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company. pp. 270–28 1.
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