What’s In A Name?
In 1789 Richmond businessman John Mayo, Jr., built a home on the outskirts of Richmond, which he named "The Hermitage." It is not known precisely why he selected that name, however, it was the genesis for the naming of "Hermitage Golf Club" and now, "Hermitage Country Club." An examination of the meanings and uses of the word, however, indicate how Mayo is likely to have selected the name.
The Random House Dictionary defines "hermitage" (pronounced "hûr' mi tij") as "the habitation of a hermit" and "any secluded place of residence or habitation; retreat; hideaway." The word is derived chiefly from the practice of individuals ("hermits"), especially religious monks, separating themselves from everyday life by retreating to a quiet or remote place for reflection, prayer, meditation, or study. The more modern use of the word refers to a pastoral or secluded place, especially for a residence.
Today, "Hermitage" refers to a variety of things, including (i) a 14th century Scottish castle built by the Douglas clan, (ii) a world famous art museum (pronounced "er' mi täzh'") in St. Petersburg (Leningrad) originally built in 1765 as a palace for Catherine II an dother Russian czars, (iii) a medium-bodied French red wine from the Rhone River Valley, made primarily from the syrah grape, particularly from grapes grown above the commune Tain-L'Ermitage; and (iv) the Tennessee home of former US President Andrew Jackson.
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