The Fighting Berkeleys
Sunday, June 30th—1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Program begins at Evergreen Country Club and Inn
15900 Berkeley Drive, Haymarket, VA
When war broke out in the spring of 1861, four local brothers enlisted in the 8th Virginia Infantry Regiment. Norborne, Edmund, Charles, and William Berkeley rose quickly through the ranks, and would serve with distinction as officers for much of the war. Their influence on the unit was so profound that the 8th earned the nickname “The Berkeley Regiment.” Learn about their unique wartime experiences and visit three historic homes connected to the Berkeley family.
The program begins at Evergreen (ca. 1826), home to Edmund Berkeley. Loudoun Museum Director Joe Rizzo will speak on the history of the 8th Virginia Infantry and the regiment’s wartime service. A cash bar will be available. Following the talk guests will have a chance to see Evergreen, now restored for use as an inn.
Guests will then depart Evergreen to tour two additional homes:
Located just west of Aldie, Stoke (ca. 1840, renovated 1907) was home to Norborne Berkeley, who served as Lt. Colonel and later Colonel of the 8th Virginia. Following the war the estate was home to Eleanor Harris, who developed “Berkeley Gardens” during the Great Depression.
Berkeley House (early 19th century) stands in the heart of the historic village of Aldie. Prior to the Civil War it was the childhood home of all four Berkeley brothers. It has been lovingly restored by the DeLashmutt family.