Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Courthouse at the Tavern
| | Spotsylvania Courthouse Historic District | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
1. A Courthouse at the Tavern Marker
In 1838, a fire destroyed the county's courthouse along the Po River, about 2½ miles west of here. Enter Lewis Rawlings, the enterprising owner of the Locust Inn, and his wife, Hannah, who donated 10 acres on which a new, Roman Revival-style courthouse was constructed. Rawlings hoped it would bring more business to his lodge.
In addition to operating the inn, Rawlings also served as caretaker for the courthouse, and keeper of the jail, which was added to the property in 1839.
One of Rawlings' sons, James Henry, became a lawyer who also frequented the courthouse to handle his cases.
Rawlings ran the Locust Inn until 1852, the same year he died at age 66.
(Photo Captions)
A painting by George Leo Frankenstein shows the tavern and nearby buildings in 1865. The courthouse was to the left, out of view. Courtesy of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Spotsylvania Clerk of Court J.P.H. Crismond is pictured in front of the courthouse about 1890.Courtesy of Spotsylvania Clerk of Court
Erected by Spotsylvania County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics
this page online
Location. 38° 12.071′ N, 77° 35.382′ W. Marker is in Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It is at the intersection of Brock Road (County Route 613) and Courthouse Road (Virginia Route 208), on the right when traveling south on Brock Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9064 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania VA 22553, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: Sanford's Tavern & Inn (here, next to this marker); War at the Courthouse (here, next to this marker); Building an Empire (here, next to this marker); Many Lives of a Landmark (here, next to this marker); Lees Headquarters (a few steps from 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. Samuel Alsop Jr. (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); An Ordinary on the Road to Snell (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); Joseph Sanford's Inn & Tavern (was
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
2. Locust Inn
The marker is to the right of this building - the subject of the marker - located 2nd from left in a row of five.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. It preceded this marker in the same location.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
3. 1838 Courthouse
Much modified and expanded at the back in both 1901 and 1920, this building was the catalyst for shifting the county seat to the commons across from the Locust Inn.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
4. Clerk J.P.H. Crismond
Clerk of the Court Joseph Patrick Henry Crismond, shown in the lower left photo of the marker, is buried down the road at Zion Methodist Church.
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 53 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. 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?
