2000 - Germanna Visitor Center - Locust Grove VA
N 38° 22.664 W 077° 47.011
18S E 256851 N 4251395
A visitor center and library was built at Germanna where the first German immigrants settled in Virginia.
Waymark Code: WMBV37
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 06/21/2011
Views: 1
The Brawdus Martin Germanna Visitor Center in Locust Grove, Virginia was built in 2000. It bears a cornerstone to the right of the front entrance.
The building was named in honor of R. Brawdus Martin who started the Germanna Foundation. The Foundation seeks to preserve the history of Germanna and its people.
In 1714, Gov. Alexander Spotswood built the Germanna Fort on the Rapidan River to settle and protect the first German immigrants. The fort was built in the shape of a pentagon and is often referred to as the 'first pentagon' in Virginia.
The Visitor Center was also constructed in the shape of a pentagon and was designed by architect, Doug Harnsberger, who is a Germanna descendant. The building sits near the original fort and settlement location. In addition to displays, the Visitor Center has a library which is compiling data on the contributions of the Germanna people over the years in America for use by researchers.
The Germanna Visitor Center is adjacent to the Germanna Community College on Rt. 3 between Culpeper and Fredericksburg. The building is opened from 1 PM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The grounds and a memorial garden behind the center are accessible daily.
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