In 1613, the Shirley Plantation home was built in Charles City County, by the north bank of the James River. In 1638, Edward Hill established multiple farms by the banks of the James River officially making the property a plantation.
During the U.S. Civil War, Siah Hulett, one of the slaves on the Shirley Plantation, escaped the plantation to serve on the USS Monitor.
The Shirley Home and the plantation has been managed by descendants of the original family since they were first established. In present day, the Shirley Plantation is America’s oldest farm and family owned business.
