When you take a trip to Virginia Beach, one of the first things that you will notice is that the area seems to have a remarkable ability to blend together the old and the new. There are numerous remarkable attractions that provide modern excitement and entertainment, yet nestled right among these attractions are museums and historic sites that evoke a sense of the Old South. The Ferry Plantation home is one of the area’s most remarkable historic sites, and it is certainly a must-see destination for anyone visiting Virginia Beach.

Ferry Plantation was named in 1642. During this period, a ferry service used to travel up and down the local waterway. A signal cannon was used to summon the ferry operator, who brought everything from goods to people and animals to the area. There were eleven total stops on the ferry’s path, and the plantation was one of them. One of the most interesting facts about the plantation is why the destination was chosen. The land where the plantation was build had been cleared in the 1500’s by local Indians, and many artifacts that help to tell their story have been found on the property.

There are a total of three Princess Anne Houses on the plantation property. The main house is a three-story Federal style building, and it is fully furnished with pieces original to the period in which it was built. There are a number of education programs available at the Ferry Plantation, and the property offers tours as well as special events throughout the year. There are plenty of festivals that take place on the grounds, and kids will find classes on history, weaving, and much more.

One of the things that Ferry Plantation House is most famous for is the legend that it is haunted. Plantation owners confirm that many visitors and employees have experienced unusual encounters, but they like to stay away from the word haunted. They open the property every Halloween evening for visitors. The “Witch of Pungo” was tried by water on the property on July 10, 1706 and convicted of witchcraft. It is believed by many that it is she who haunts the property. Whether this is fact or folklore, there is no doubt that it has made its way into the area’s local lore, and it gives visitors one more reason to stop by and visit the Ferry Plantation House.