Near Locust Grove in Orange County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The "Enchanted Castle" at Germanna, circa 1720-1750
Photographed by PaulwC3, April 3, 2013
1. The "Enchanted Castle" at Germanna, circa 1720-1750 Marker
and formerly the site of
Fort Germanna, 1714
Archaeological excavation by
Mary Washington College,
Center for Historic Preservation
Erected 1992 by Necostin Chapter, Virginia Society, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1714.
Location. 38° 22.919′ N, 77° 46.801′ W. Marker is near Locust Grove, Virginia, in Orange County. It can be reached from Gordon Farm Road 0.3 miles west of Spotswood Drive (Virginia Road 760). The site is owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and maintained by the University of Mary Washington. Access to the location is limited special events. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Locust Grove VA 22508, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Virginia and in the Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Culpeper County / Orange County (approx. 0.3 miles away); Germanna (approx. 0.3 miles away); Germanna Ford (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Germanna Ford
this page online
Regarding The "Enchanted Castle" at Germanna, circa 1720-1750. The current thinking based on archeological excavations and historical research is that the "Enchanted Forest" estate was built over the site of Fort Germanna. Historical records describe the mansion being adjacent to buildings similar to the houses of Fort Germanna.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study the marker shown.
Also see . . .
1. The Enchanted Castle | The Rise and Fall of Alexander Spotswood's Germanna. Alexander Spotswood's Enchanted Castle was not, in fact, a castle. (Submitted on April 4, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
2. Archaeology at Enchanted Castle | The Rise and Fall of Alexander Spotswood's Germanna. Until very recently
Photographed by PaulwC3, April 3, 2013
2. Wide view of The "Enchanted Castle" at Germanna, circa 1720-1750 Marker
3. Inquiry: Germannas Treasure Trove of History: A Journey of Discovery. If you heard that there was an Enchanted Castle and a 300-year-old fort called Fort Germanna in some woods across the street from your community college, would you want to go to see them? Well, of course! (Submitted on April 4, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
Photographed by PaulwC3, April 3, 2013
3. Panorama of the "Enchanted Castle" site
Looking west across the raised terrace of "Enchanted Castle" toward the Rapidan River. On the right are the some of the remnants of Avenue of Cedars. And in the left distance are the covered archeological excavation pits.
Photographed by PaulwC3, April 3, 2013
4. The "Enchanted Castle" at Germanna archeological dig pit
An overgrown excavation site from the 1985 to 1991 effort.
Photographed by PaulwC3, April 3, 2013
5. The "Enchanted Castle" at Germanna view
Aside from 20th Century archeological excavations, the open area is punctuated by depressions and furrowed trails, in the ground, left by inhabitants from Fort Germanna and Spotswood's "Enchanted Castle" through the Civil War.
Photographed by Pete Payette, May 1, 2017
6. The "Enchanted Castle" site
Photographed by Pete Payette
7. Fort Germanna (conjectural)
Mid 20th-century drawing of Fort Germanna's possible layout and features.
Photographed by PaulwC3, April 3, 2013
8. Spotswood's Spring
The spring, which Spotswood originally topped with a marble fountain, was renovated by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1932 as rest area for travelers on the nearby Germanna Highway.
Photographed by Pete Payette, May 1, 2017
9. Stone pedestrian bridge below Spotswood's Spring.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,634 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 4, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 6, 7. submitted on May 2, 2017, by Pete Payette of Orange, Virginia. 8. submitted on April 4, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 9. submitted on May 2, 2017, by Pete Payette of Orange, Virginia.
