Near Locust Grove in Orange County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The "Enchanted Castle" at Germanna, circa 1720-1750
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. Marker 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.
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 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Grant Takes Command (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Germanna Visitor Center (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Germanna (approx. 0.3 miles away); Alexander Spotswood's Enchanted Castle (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.
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 the location of Spotswood's Germanna was unknown, despite numerous speculations. The first definitive evidence of the Enchanted Castle site was found by Ned Heite, Howard McCord, and Randolph Grymes in 1969 (Submitted on April 4, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
3. Inquiry: Germanna’s 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.)
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 1,424 times since then and 58 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.