[6] Rodophil Jeter was a delegate to the state legislature and a prominent figure in Amelia County government in the early 1800s,[7][8] and several members of his family established businesses in the area.

[9][3] Jetersville lies close to the route followed by Confederate general Robert E. Lee and his army in their retreat during the final days of the Civil War, before the surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.

The last major battle fought by Lee's army occurred just a few miles west at Sayler's Creek, on the border of Amelia and Prince Edward counties, on April 6.

Rather than attacking the entrenched Federals, he chose to change direction and begin a night march toward Farmville where rations awaited the army.In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Schlegel (or Schlegal) and Keystone mica mines near Jetersville were among several lodes developed into profitable operations in Amelia County, although they were quickly depleted.

The railroad now carries only freight trains, however, and the older section of town, centered around the former rail station, has fallen into decline, as the depot has closed and development has shifted northwest toward the four-lane US 360 bypass.