Built circa 1801 by the Nichols-Hatcher family, Quakers who operated a mill on nearby Cromwell's Run, the Rector House later took its name from Civil War-era owners Caleb and Mary Ann Hatcher Rector. At Rector's Crossroads on June 10, 1863, Major John S. Mosby officially established Company A, 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry, known as Mosby's Rangers. On June 23, 1863, General J.E.B. Stuart set up headquarters there and received orders from General Lee concerning the cavalry's route in what would become the Gettysburg Campaign.