Early Germans played an important part in the settlement of early America. They purchased land. They built factories, not to speak of their composing and artistic talents. They were hardworking and thrifty. During the time of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, large settlements of Germans were in the same state, Virginia, at the same time. They travelled freely from Pennslyvania to Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, following early roads through the Shenandoah Valley. To these early German Pioneers we owe much.