Sidney King painting of the writing of Taps. Original painting is at Berkeley
Welcome to the information page for “Birth of an American Tradition”-The 150th Anniversary commemoration of Taps at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia. This three-day event, June 22-24, 2012, will celebrate the birth of America’s national song of remembrance and feature Civil War re-enactors depicting the Union Army at rest at Harrison’s Landing (on the grounds of the plantation) following the Seven Days Battles in late June 1862.
Concerts by military bands on Friday night and a concert by the Federal City Brass Band Saturday night will add to the musical favor of the event as well as fife and drum music and music of bugles.
The focal point of the weekend will be the re-dedication of the Taps 150 monument on Saturday June 23 at 1100. The monument, originally erected in 1969, will be formally re-dedicated in ceremonies on the grounds.
Chris Morgan, photographer who does period wet plate images will be at Berkeley Plantation for the Taps 150 event “Birth of an American Tradition” Chris will take period images of the event plus be available for portraits. CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE FOR MORE IMAGES
GREAT NEWS!!
The Civil War 150 HistoryMobile will be at Berkeley Plantation during the weekend of our TAPS150 event
Here is a radio play on the birth of Taps recorded in 1962
THE BIRTH OF TAPS
Tom Carlin AS GENERAL DAN BUTTERFIELD
Lou Madonia AS BUGLER OLIVER W. NORTON
Recorded in 1962 for the 100th anniversary of Taps
Berkeley Plantation, located in Charles City, Virginia, is rich with American history. The main home was built in 1726 by Benjamin Harrison on what was originally 8,000 acres along the James River. It was here that the ninth United States President, William Henry Harrison was born. Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Harrison V was born here as well.