Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Many Lives of a Landmark
| | Spotsylvania Courthouse Historic District | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
1. Many Lives of a Landmark Marker
On July 13, 1930, a blaze consumed nearby Courtland House, the Perry & Son Store, and other buildings. The fire repeatedly ignited the tavern's roof, but firefighters were able to save the historic structure. Courtland House could not be saved. Its owner suspected the blaze was purposefully set by a rival, but arson was never proven.
The tavern building has housed law offices since 1972. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
(Photo Captions)
ABOVE: An early 20th-century photograph shows the Spotsylvania tavern, Perry & Son Store, and Courtland House before the 1930 blaze that destroyed several of the buildings. Courtesy of Spotsylvania Clerk of Court
LEFT: Shown are the remains of the grand Courtland House after it was destroyed in the fire. Library of Congress
Erected by Spotsylvania County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters • Landmarks. A significant historical date for this entry is July 13, 1930.
Location. 38° 12.073′
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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area, in Northern Virginia, and in the Piedmont. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: War at the Courthouse (here, next to this marker); Sanford's Tavern & Inn (here, next to this marker); A Courthouse at the Tavern (here, next to this marker); Building an Empire (here, next to this marker); Lees Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Doctor's Orders (within shouting distance of this marker); Legend, Lore and Fact (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Other markers no longer nearby. Joseph Sanford's Inn & Tavern (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); A Tavern in the Midst of Battle (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); A Tavern at the New Courthouse (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Time Passages (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Samuel Alsop Jr.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
2. Sanford's Tavern
The marker is at the end of a row of five markers to the right of the historic building. The first of the five is visible in this photo.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. It preceded this marker in the same location.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 38 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
