Germanna Visitor Center

The Brawdus Martin Germanna Visitor Center was constructed as the central resource for the interpretation of the Germanna Historic Site, the earliest German settlement in Virginia. Located along the banks of the Rapidan River, the site includes 18th-century ruins, several archaeological sites and a cemetery.

Designed by Architect Douglas Harnsberger, the visitor center was constructed using funding received in part from ISTEA Grants. The five-sided, pentagonal shape of the building recalls the original shape of Fort Germanna constructed in 1714. The visitor center’s stone-faced elevations, heavy-hewed oak carpentry and high copper roof are reminiscent of German building traditions of the early 18th-century.

The visitor center includes an interpretive exhibit hall, a library and archives, as well as a small gift shop. In addition, interpretive trails encircle the Germanna Historic Site highlighting significant points of interest including the site of Governor Alexander Spotwood’s “Enchanted Castle,” and important Civil War sites.War sites.