The people and places of Spotsylvania have played monumental roles in Virginia’s history and America’s story. Here, county namesake Alexander Spotswood established the colonies’ first fully functioning ironworks. Spotsylvania men from a variety of trades joined the fight for American independence, and several Revolutionary War heroes called the county home. During the war, Marquis de Lafayette’s maneuvers in Spotsylvania were pivotal to America’s ultimate victory. Decades later, the first recorded gold discovery in Virginia happened at a Spotsylvania mine. Four major Civil War battles were waged here, including one of the conflict’s bloodiest in 1864. And during the Great Depression, a Spotsylvania manufacturer shielded the region from the worst effects of the financial crisis.
Spotsylvania offers numerous historic attractions, including Spotsylvania Museum, which sits on eight acres adjacent to the First Day of Chancellorsville battlefield. In addition, the county houses the Civil War battlefields of Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania and Wilderness. Other must-see sites include the Spotsylvania Confederate Cemetery, the Spotsylvania Court House District, Ellwood Manor, the African American Heritage Trail, John J. Wright Museum and Cultural Center, Salem Church, Christ Episcopal Church, the Rappahannock Railroad Museum and Shannon Air Museum.
The county plans to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with special events. Stay tuned for more information on ways to join us for this momentous occasion.
While there are currently no events listed specifically for Spotsylvania County, search the VA250 Statewide Calendar of Events for a comprehensive listing of programs across the state.
