Machipongo in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Gristmill Grindstones

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017

1. Gristmill Grindstones Marker

Inscription. Numerous water-powered gristmills existed on the Eastern Shore of Virginia from the 1600's until as late as the 1930's. Water from streams or tides turned undershot waterwheels operating the sometimes very dangerous machinery used to rotate heavy grindstones. Some stones were imported from Europe. Shore mills were often locate don top of a dam with the revolving waterwheel adjacent to the structure.

Additionally, there were windmills where the wind served the same purpose as flowing water. The famous illustrator Howard Pyle noted the existence of windmills during his visit to Northampton and Accomack counties in 1879.

Millstones were subject to wear and were recycled as doorsteps and garden paths. Notice the grooves cut into the stones.

Millstones courtesy of Steve Graham

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 37° 24.279′ N, 75° 54.275′ W. Marker was in Machipongo, Virginia, in Northampton County. Marker could be reached from Young Street west of Lankford Highway (U.S. 13), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker

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was at or near this postal address: 7295 Young St, Machipongo VA 23405, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Quarter Kitchen (a few steps from this marker); The African American Almshouse (a few steps from this marker); Wooden Remnant (a few steps from this marker); Northampton County Almshouse At Machipongo (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barrier Islands Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Grace and William Eyre (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward Franklin and Dorothy "Dot" Wise Gibb (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Almshouse Farm at Machipongo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Machipongo.

Also see . . . Barrier Islands Center. (Submitted on August 14, 2017.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, August 12, 2017

2. Gristmill Grindstones Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 301 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.