
Settlers first discovered the New Market area's fertile lands, wild game, and minerals in 1727, nearly 300 years ago, with many of the first settlers being Germans of the Mennonite and Lutheran faiths, later joined by many Scots and Irish. The Town was founded by General John Sevier, a noted Indian fighter and revolutionary patriot, but the Town's effective history began in 1796 when it was established by a charter of the Virginia General Assembly. In 1806, German settlers established a printing and publishing business that was a foundation of New Market industry into the mid 19th century and by 1835, the Town had become a commercial and industrial center boasting a population of 700.
In 1972, the Town of New Market was designated a Historic District by the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission and registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark, and the Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which is maintained by the National Park Service.
© 2004 Town of New Market, Virginia
