Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Sanford's Tavern & Inn
| | Spotsylvania Courthouse Historic District | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
1. Sanford's Tavern and Inn Marker
Sanford had previously operated the U.S. Hotel (later renamed the Planters Hotel) in Fredericksburg, Va. The businessman owned several properties in the region and lived with his family at Courtland House, a large estate in the area of today's magistrate's office and county buildings.
In addition to managing the inn, Sanford oversaw the courthouse, was the county jailor, and served Overseer of the Poor.
Sanford ran the tavern when it was used as an observation point for Gen. Robert E. Lee during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Sanford's home, Courtland House, was repeatedly shelled during that engagement.
One of Sanford's sons, Joseph Jr., was killed in Maryland in 1862, during the Army of Northern Virginia's retreat from Antietam.
Sanford sold the tavern in 1869. Courtland House was destroyed by fire in 1930.
(Photo Captions)
LEFT: Joseph Sanford and his family lived at Courtland House, a grand home near the tavern. An 1865 image shows scars from the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.
Joseph Sanford operated Sanford's Tavern & Inn near Spotsylvania County's courthouse from 1853 to 1869. Here,
this page online
Erected by Spotsylvania County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 38° 12.072′ 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: War at the Courthouse (here, next to this marker); A Courthouse at the Tavern (here, next to this marker); Many Lives of a Landmark (here, next to this marker); Building an Empire (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. A Tavern at the New Courthouse (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Samuel Alsop Jr. (was here,
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
2. Sanford's Tavern & Inn
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 51 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?
