This honorific designation identifies a group of prominent Virginia gentlemen who, in 1716, accompanied Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood on an expedition westward across the Blue Ridge Mountains. The purpose of this journey was to explore and assert the British Crown’s claim to the territory, thereby preventing potential encroachment by the French. Each member of this select group was presented with a small golden horseshoe, inscribed with the Latin phrase “Sic juvat transcendere montes” (Thus it pleases to cross the mountains), as a memento of the successful venture.
The significance of this expedition lies in its symbolic representation of colonial expansion and the assertion of British power in the face of competing European claims. Beyond the immediate geographical exploration, the journey fostered a sense of adventure and westward ambition amongst the Virginia gentry. This event solidified the image of the individuals involved as pioneers and leaders within the colony, enhancing their social and political standing. The keepsakes distributed served as enduring symbols of this achievement and elevated social prestige.
