Berry Hill
About this property
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. The surviving portion of the plantation, which was once one of the largest in the state, is now a conference and event center. Berry Hill is located on a site that is now about 650 acres (260 ha) in size, between River Rd. and the Dan River 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. With some 3,600 acres (1,500 ha) at its height, 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 enslaved persons, 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. 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. 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. National Register of Historic Places listings in Halifax County, Virginia Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) No. VA-304, "Berry Hill Plantation, State Route 659 vicinity, South Boston vicinity, Halifax County, VA", 17 photos, 2 data pages, supplemental material Information on Berry Hill from Virginia African Heritage Program
Location
Categories
Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).
Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
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Questions about this property
When was Berry Hill listed on the National Register?
Berry Hill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 24, 1969.
What type of historic resource is Berry Hill?
Berry Hill is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.
Is Berry Hill a National Historic Landmark?
Yes. Berry Hill has been designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL), the highest level of federal recognition for historic properties in the United States.
What is the period of significance for Berry Hill?
The period of significance for Berry Hill is recorded as the industrial era.
Can I research the history near Berry Hill?
Yes. Aubrey Research reports search National Register listings, battlefield records, land patents, and other primary historical sources within any radius of a US address. A report for an address near Berry Hill will include this listing and all other historical records in the area.
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