The county was developed by planters moving west from the Virginia tidewater, where soils had been exhausted by tobacco monoculture.

Hanover County was the birthplace and home of noted American statesman Patrick Henry.

At the Hanover Courthouse, Henry argued the case of the Parson's Cause in 1763, attacking the British Crown's attempt to set the salaries of clergy in the colony regardless of conditions in the local economy.

Hanover County was also the birthplace of Henry Clay, who became known as a politician in Kentucky, author of the Missouri Compromise of 1820, and Secretary of State.

During the American Civil War and the 1862 Peninsula Campaign, the Union Army approached the river and could hear the bells of Richmond's churches.

Union General George B. McClellan failed in his attempt to get all his troops across it, intending to overwhelm the outnumbered Confederate forces defending Richmond.

[4] The Barksdale company continues to produce live theatre at the Tavern, as well as at several locations in Richmond.

Kings Dominion amusement park opened in 1975 in Doswell and added to the county's economy.

In January 2007, America's Promise named Hanover County as one of the top 100 communities for youth.

Hanover County has the lowest real estate property tax rate in the Richmond Region, which makes for a competitive business location.

[18] Some of the major businesses that have taken advantage of the tax rate include: Bass Pro Shops, FedEx Ground, and The Vitamin Shoppe.