Established by Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood in 1714 as a German settlement, the area was considered the westernmost frontier (the wilderness) of Virginia.

Spotswood died in 1740 and shortly thereafter residents of the area burned the original structure to salvage building materials for their own homes.

The Old Plank Road connected Fredericksburg with Culpeper and crossed the Rapidan River at a location referred to as Germanna Ford.

This ford was used extensively by the Union leading up to the battles of Chancellorsville, Mine Run, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House.

Despite 90% of the local residents in attendance request for denial [citation needed], among ethical and conflict of interest issues, the application was passed by J.P. Tucker III (Owner of a construction company),[6] Andy Hutchinson (Owner of a sod company),[7] and Donald Brooks (political candidate for Sheriff).