National Register of Historic Places listings in Spotsylvania County, Virginia facts for kids

A map showing Spotsylvania County in Virginia

This page lists amazing and historic places in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special list of important buildings, homes, and areas that tell us about the past. These places are protected because they have a lot of history!

There are 17 special places and areas in Spotsylvania County that are on this list. You can even see some of them on a map if you look up their coordinates online.

Historic Places to Explore

This section tells you about the cool places in Spotsylvania County that are currently on the National Register of Historic Places.

Andrews Tavern: A Historic Home and Inn

Andrews Tavern, built in 1815

Andrews Tavern is a beautiful old home built in 1815 for Samuel Andrews. It was first a fancy house, but around 1848, a wooden part was added to turn it into a tavern. A tavern was like an old-fashioned inn or restaurant where travelers could stop for food and a place to stay.

Fairview: A Home by a Famous Builder

Fairview, a Federal-style home

Fairview is a large home built in 1837. It was designed by Samuel Alsop, Jr., who was a very talented architect and builder. He designed many buildings in Spotsylvania County, and Fairview is one of his important works.

Kenmore: A Historic Estate

Kenmore, also known as Kenmore Woods

Kenmore, also known as Kenmore Woods, is another important historic place in Spotsylvania County. It's important not to confuse it with another famous Kenmore in Fredericksburg, Virginia! This Kenmore has its own unique story.

La Vista: A Blend of Old Styles

La Vista, built in 1838

La Vista is a house built in 1838. It shows off two popular building styles from that time: Federal and Greek Revival. These styles often featured grand columns and balanced designs, making buildings look very impressive.

La Vue: The Home of John Alsop

La Vue, built in 1848

La Vue was built in 1848 for John Alsop. It was once called Prospect Vue. This home is a great example of the kind of houses built in the mid-1800s in Virginia.

Lansdowne: A Special Place in Fredericksburg

Lansdowne is a historic property located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was added to the National Register in 2013, showing its importance to the area's history.

Massaponax Baptist Church: A Civil War Landmark

Massaponax Baptist Church

Massaponax Baptist Church was built in 1859. This church is famous because it was a meeting spot during the American Civil War. Important Union generals, including Ulysses S. Grant and George Meade, held a "council of war" here. This means they met to plan their military strategies.

Oakley: Another Alsop Masterpiece

Oakley, built in 1828

Oakley was built in 1828 by Samuel Alsop, Jr., the same architect who built Fairview. This shows how important Alsop was in shaping the look of Spotsylvania County with his beautiful buildings.

Prospect Hill: Home of the First Post Office

Prospect Hill, built in 1811

Prospect Hill was built in 1811 or 1812 for Waller Holladay, a local politician. This plantation is special because it was the location of the very first Post Office in Spotsylvania County, which opened in 1809!

Rapidan Dam Canal: An Old Waterway

The Rapidan Dam Canal is the best-preserved part of the Rappahannock Navigation. This was a big project in the 1800s to make 50 miles of the Rappahannock River easier for boats to travel on. Canals like this helped transport goods and people long ago.

St. Julien: Home of a Political Leader

St. Julien, a historic home

St. Julien was the home of Francis T. Brooke, a very important political leader in Virginia. He was known for being a "republican," which at the time meant he supported a government where citizens had a lot of power, similar to how the United States is run today.

Spotsylvania Court House Historic District: A Whole Historic Area

Spotsylvania County Courthouse, built in 1839

The Spotsylvania Court House Historic District is not just one building, but a whole area that is considered historic! It includes the Spotsylvania County Courthouse, which was built in 1839, and other important buildings around it. This district gives us a glimpse into what a county seat looked like in the past.

Stirling: A Massaponax Landmark

Stirling is another significant historic place located in Massaponax, Virginia. Its history is tied to the local area and its development over time.

Tubal Furnace Archeological Site: An Ancient Iron Factory

The Tubal Furnace Archeological Site is a very special place because it holds the remains of the oldest iron furnace in Virginia. It's also one of the oldest in the entire United States! An "archeological site" means it's a place where scientists study old human history by digging up artifacts. An "iron furnace" was like an old factory where iron was made.

Walnut Grove: A Home from the 1840s

Walnut Grove, built in 1840

Walnut Grove was built in 1840 by William A. Jennings for Jonathan Johnson. This home is a great example of the architecture and lifestyle from that period in Virginia.

Former Listings

Sometimes, a place is removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This section tells you about one such place.

Bloomsbury Farm: A Civil War Battle Site

Bloomsbury Farm, a historic site

Bloomsbury Farm was once on the National Register. It was also known as Harris Farm and was the site of the Harris Farm Engagement, a battle during the American Civil War. Sadly, the main farm building was taken down in 2014.

Images for kids

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  Andrews Tavern, built in 1815

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  Fairview, a Federal-style home

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  Kenmore, also known as Kenmore Woods

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  La Vista, built in 1838

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  La Vue, built in 1848

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  Massaponax Baptist Church

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  Oakley, built in 1828

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  Prospect Hill, built in 1811

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  St. Julien, a historic home

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  Spotsylvania County Courthouse, built in 1839

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  Walnut Grove, built in 1840

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  Bloomsbury Farm, a historic site