The Real First Thanksgiving-in Virginia

   Despite what most people think or are taught, there was a feast to give thanks before the Pilgrims up in Plymouth had their infamous gathering. Of course, most people also think that Plymouth was the first English settlement in America-more people should learn about Jamestown and Virginia. The plantation just north of Jamestown, known as Berkeley, was the place where the first official Thanksgiving was held.

   (from the monument shown below):

   Capt John Woodliffe

From Prestwood, England

At Jamestown 1608

First Governor of Berkeley

Hundred Plantation 1619

Capt John Woodliffe and 38 settlers

in the ship "Margaret" landed here

December 4, 1619

First Official Thanksgiving Day

Service in America Held Here By

Capt Woodliffe and these settlers

Proclamation:

Impr Wee Ordaine That The Day of Our

Ships Arrivall at the Place Assigned

For Plantacion in the Land of Virginia

Shall Be Yearly and Perpetualy

Keept Holy as a Day of Thanksgiving

To Almighty God

Erected by his descendants 

The Woodlief-Woodliff Family

Nov 22, 1956

   The Berkeley Hundred land would eventually come to the Harrison family where Benjamin Harrison IV would build the Berkeley Plantation home in 1726. It is the oldest three story brick home still standing in Virginia. Benjamin's son, Benjamin V-a signer of the Declaration of Independence-was born here. Benjamin V's son born here, William Henry, would be President of the United States.