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Portrait of Alexander Spotswood

CONTENT WARNING

Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation. 

Context

Alexander Spotswood served from 1710 to 1722 as lieutenant governor of Virginia, in the place of the royal governor who never came to the colony. During his tenure Spotswood sought to improve the colony's security and economy and relations with Virginia's Indigenous people. He pressed the General Assembly to pass several important acts, including the Tobacco Inspection Act (1713) and the Indian Trade Act (1714). Under the Tobacco Inspection Act, Spotswood hoped to increase the prices that planters received for their tobacco by improving its quality. He appointed men, some of whom were members of the House of Burgesses, to well-paid positions as inspectors of tobacco before it was sent to Europe. But planters did not approve of the new policy and, with the help of English merchants, convinced the king to veto the law. To improve relations with Virginia Indians, Spotswood sought to regulate trade, but that act was also unpopular with many colonists.

In 1716 Spotswood led an expedition across the Blue Ridge Mountains and into the Shenandoah Valley. He claimed the land for the King of England, and intended it to be a buffer between Indigenous peoples and white settlers who lived further east. Spotswood used land grants in the Shenandoah Valley to persuade Europeans to immigrate to Virginia, and he established a settlement of German colonists on the Piedmont region frontier that became known as Germanna.

As the result of his unstable relationship with the Governor's Council and the House of Burgesses, Spotswood was replaced in 1722 by Hugh Drysdale. In addition to his political achievements, Spotswood influenced architecture. He introduced the Georgian style in his design of the Governor's Palace and when he commissioned the rebuilding of the College of William and Mary. Alexander Spotswood served as deputy postmaster general for North America from 1730 until his death in 1740.

Citation: Alexander Spotswood oil on canvas painting by Charles Bridges, 1736, State Art Collection, Library of Virginia.

Learn more about Alexander Spotswood at Encyclopedia Virginia.

Standards

VS.3, VS.4, USI.5, VUS.2, VUS.4

Suggested Questions

Preview Activity

Artistic Exploration:  Look at the portrait of Alexander Spotswood. Briefly describe three things you notice about his portrait. Use the following to guide your observations:  what can we infer from Spotswood's posture, his clothes, his facial expression, what he holds in his left hand, what is in the background of his portrait? Write a short paragraph describing Spotswood and what role he may have played in Virginia history. 

Post Activities

Political Plans: Alexander Spotswood tried to improve his relationship with the House of Burgesses and the Governor's Council by passing certain acts, such as the Tobacco Inspection Act of 1713. What are other areas he could have improved to make positive changes in the lives of ordinary Virginians during this time period?

Virginia Validation: In a time when colonists were becoming unhappy with British control, Alexander Spotswood attempted to appease the King. If he wanted the colonists' support, why would he conform so closely with the British government?

Form an Opinion: Why do you think Spotswood wanted to appease the King, ingratiate himself to the burgesses, and impress the Governor’s Council? Keep in mind the period of time and the role Spotswood played.