The development of this handsome old street into one of the most graceful residential areas in Fredericksburg began with the vision of 18th century lawyer and entrepreneur Roger Dixon. Dixon, who came to the area in 1749 to practice law, soon became interested Fredericksburg real estate. In January 1752, he purchased 330 acres outside the town's lower limits. Dixon's purchase encompassed the mouth of a Rappahannock River tributary, Hazel Run and was across the river from George Washington's boyhood home, Ferry Farm.

Fredericksburg has always been a favorable location for milling. The river provided valuable water power as well as an important transportation link for receiving raw materials and shipping finished products. Prior to the Civil War, most of the city's mills were owned and operated by local investors.