Shirley Plantation on the James River

The plantation has an historical record that extends back to 1613. Owned by the Carte family through ten generations, it has survived two major wars. it was a storehouse for supplies in the American Revolution and a temporary hospital during the Civil War.

The state of Illinois has ties to Shirley through her favorite son, Abraham Lincoln. Young Robert Todd Lincoln picked flowers here for his mother, Mary Todd Lincoln, while President Lincoln met with General Grant on board the River Queen on the James River. March 29, 1865, in the closing days of the Civil War.

Charles City, Virginia

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This watercolor painting is part of a larger historical painting series by Kay Smith, Artist Laureate of Illinois.
Visit Kay Smith's website to see additional paintings.