America's Oldest Castle Is Over 360 Years Old And A Historic Museum In Virginia

Castles aren't something usually associated with the United States. But not far from one of Virginia's most historic districts lies Bacon's Castle, the oldest castle in America. The brick building dates to around 1665, making it the oldest such structure in North America. Today, the massive home and its gardens are open to the public for tours that showcase what life was like in Virginia in the 17th century.

While Bacon's Castle lacks the features of a traditional castle, like New York's Boldt Castle, it earned the classification in 1676. That year, Nathaniel Bacon, a newly arrived settler in Virginia, rebelled against Virginia's governor and his policies. For four months, Bacon's men occupied the mansion built by Arthur Allen, and it served as Bacon's temporary castle. After Bacon died of dysentery, his rebellion lost its momentum and faded. But the name "Bacon's Castle" has remained attached to the building ever since.

Bacon's Castle rests on a 40-acre site in Surry, Virginia, that has been turned into a museum. Its grounds feature a 17th-century English garden and several historic outbuildings. Important locations on the site are marked with signage that corresponds to a self-guided audio tour, though 45-minute guided tours are also available. Inside, a museum offers a gift shop and exhibits.

Virginia is known for its historic sites linked to the days leading up to the founding of the United States, including Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. Conveniently, Bacon's Castle is less than 20 miles by car from Jamestown and some of Virginia's must-see destinations, making it an easy addition to a tour of the area. Weather permitting, the free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry transports visitors and their vehicles between Surry and the historic village of Jamestown.

The grounds are open year-round and include access to picnic areas. However, the museum is only open Fridays to Sundays, plus Thursdays during the summer months. Bacon's Castle also plays host to events throughout the year, such as the Worldwide Day of Play and its Legends and Lore lantern tours near Halloween.

Bacon's Castle is in a rural area on the southern side of the James River and just under a two-hour drive from the gorgeous Virginia town of Cape Charles. However, the largest and closest clusters of overnight accommodations are located in Williamsburg and Newport News. Options range from chain hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to private vacation rentals. Bacon's Castle is about an hour's drive from Richmond International Airport (RIC).