The town was first mentioned in an official document issued by pope Eugene III which dates back to 20 January 1148.

It is assumed that the town as such was a planned settlement around the time of Charlemagne in order to stop the Saxons from expanding into western regions of Germany in the early 9th century.

The town center is dominated by the catholic St. Bonifatius church which was first mentioned in 1555 and whose tower dates back to the 12th century.

The town is known for its active community life driven by a series of themed clubs and amateur organisations such as the "Spielmannszug Großmaischeid 1959 e.V."

The local primary school is named in honour of Hermann Gmeiner, the founder of SOS Children's Villages.