How did Spotsylvania County get its name?

The second in a series of articles about the History of Spotsylvania County and Historic Spotsylvania Courthouse Area. 

The Historic meaning of the name “Spotsylvania”. 

Eight years ago when my Wife and I came to Spotsylvania for the first time as our oldest Grandson was born I wondered what is the meaning of “Spotsylvania”and  let alone this abbreviation everyone uses around here “Spotsy”. 

Being originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania we learned in elementary school that “sylvania”  means forest or woods of. Then we learned that Pennsylvania was named after the English Quaker William Penn. So the real meaning of the word Pennsylvania is Penn’s Woods  or Penn’s Forest.

I was curious why is Spotsylvania named the same way.  I started doing a Google search and found out Spotsylvania County was named after Virginia Colonial Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood in 1721.  So Spotsylvania literally means Spotswoods Forest or Woods of Spotswood. 

The Life and Times of Virginia Colonial Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood. 

More News from Spotsylvania Courthouse

• Put your Holiday Events in the Spotsylvania Gazette Post your Holiday Events in the Spotsylvania Gazette Today! https://spotsylvaniagazette.town.news/event-builder
• Support Local News! Become a Founding Supporter! ! Become a Supporter of the Spotsylvania Gazette