Building an Empire

Building an Empire. . Samuel Alsop Jr., a wealthy builder and enslaver, acquired the "Locust Inn" tavern near the current Spotsylvania Courthouse in 1813., When Alsop bought the business, it was already a popular stopping point for travelers. Dining and entertainment were offered at the venue since at least 1770, though its exact construction date is unknown., Over time, the tavern owner built several notable homes in Spotsylvania. Among them was Kenmore Woods, which he built as a wedding gift for one of his daughters. It still stands, about one mile from the courthouse., Alsop's wife, Dorothea, died in 1834, and he sold the tavern tract in 1838. As part of the sale, he reserved a small parcel as a "burying ground." He then moved to Fairview House, a Federal-style home he built about six miles from the tavern that features his trademark decorative flourishes., Alsop continued to grow his empire, eventually amassing 1,034 acres., In 1856, he built Berea Christian Church on the reserved parcel near the tavern. Three years later, Alsop died at 83 and was laid to rest at the church., (Photo Captions), After selling the Locust Inn in 1838, prolific local builder Samuel Alsop Jr. moved to Fairview House, which today serves as a private residence in Breezewood subdivision. Department of Historic Resources, 1996, Spotswood Inn, an 18th-century structure seen here about 1905, has been known by many names, including Locust Inn, Spotsylvania Hotel and Sanford's Tavern. Courtesy of Spotsylvania Clerk of Court