The Germanna area is best known for a number of significant historic sites. These sites include a frontier fort, Alexander Spotswood’s mansion, the town of Germanna, and areas of Civil War activity.

From right to left: Portrait of Alexander Spotswood; photograph of the Gordon House, artist's rendition of Fort Germanna

Major archaeological work began in the Germanna area during the first half of the 20th century. However, the most significant projects occurred only after 1977. Through these investigations, researchers have found the location of Alexander Spotswood's Enchanted Castle, a portion of Fort Germanna, and evidence of Civil War activities.

Aerial view of Enchanted Castle excavation

Three major organizations were involved in the major archeological work that has been done at Germanna:

1) Virginia Research Center (VRCA) – began limited testing at the Enchanted Castle Site in 1977. The site was successfully nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.

2) Mary Washington College – under the direction of Doug Sanford, a series of excavations were performed at the Enchanted Castle site from 1985 to 1995. Researchers uncovered the footprint of much of the mansion, including several dependencies and landscape features.

3) Historic Gordonsville Inc. – this non-profit organization purchased 62 acres of the Germanna area to ensure its protection. From 1985-1986, the organization sponsored a series of surveys, which located and recorded 31 sites related to Germanna.

Archaeological work ceased at Germanna in 1995 due to major funding limitations. Today, it is estimated that only 15-20% of the Enchanted Castle has been fully excavated. Other sites, including Fort Germanna and the town of Germanna have been largely untouched. Many more years of archaeology will be necessary to fully understand the history of Germanna.