Charles City in Charles City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Shipyard of the Revolution

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, August 31, 2024

1. Shipyard of the Revolution Marker

Inscription. 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.

Presented by the Richmond Chapter, Virginia Sons of the American Revolution - May 5, 2024

Erected 2024 by Richmond Chapter, Virginia Sons of the American Revolution.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1781.

Location. 37° 18.801′ N, 77° 10.813′ W. Marker is in Charles City, Virginia, in Charles City County. It can be reached from Harrison Landing Road one mile south of Westover Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is within Berkeley Plantation at the end of the trail to

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the James River and First Thanksgiving Monument. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12602 Harrison Landing Road, Charles City VA 23030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Coastal Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Capt. John Woodliffe (within shouting distance of this marker); Benjamin Harrison (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Benjamin Harrison (about 700 feet away); Signer Monument (about 700 feet away); Willie Johnston (about 700 feet away); Origin of Taps (about 700 feet away); Instructions Given (approx. 0.2 miles away); Commemorating the 350th Anniversary at Berkeley Hundred (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charles City.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, August 31, 2024

2. Shipyard of the Revolution Marker

The structure beyond is the First Thanksgiving Monument.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, August 31, 2024

3. Shipyard of the Revolution Marker

Anchor Shank & Stock image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, August 31, 2024

4. Anchor Shank & Stock

Next to the marker - not mentioned by it, but contextually appropriate and doubtless not there by accident - is an old admiralty pattern anchor with the shank cut through and the flukes (lower half & fins that grip the sea floor) missing.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 21, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.