Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

George Washington's Gristmill

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 20, 2010

1. George Washington's Gristmill Marker

Inscription. In 1771, George Washington replaced a deteriorated gristmill that his father, Augustine, may have erected as early as the 1730s. The new mil ground grain from Mount Vernon and neighboring farms, and was outfitted with two pairs of millstones. In 1791, Washington installed improvements that had been recently developed and patented by Oliver Evans, of Delaware. Other structures at the site included a stone whiskey distillery, a malthouse, a cooperage, a miller's cottage, and slave quarters. Washington's mill was razed around 1850, and in 1933 the Commonwealth of Virginia built a reconstruction on the original site.

Erected 2000 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-73.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1771.

Location. 38° 42.788′ N, 77° 7.837′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. Marker is on Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (State Highway 235), on the right when traveling south. Located across the road

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from the George Washington Gristmill and Distillery Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5515 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria VA 22309, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Woodlawn (here, next to this marker); Doeg Indians (here, next to this marker); Woodlawn Cultural Landscape Historic District (a few steps from this marker); George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill in 1799 (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill at Mount Vernon (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington's Whiskey Distillery Cornerstone (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodlawn Historic Landscapes (approx. 0.3 miles away); Potomac Connections (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

George Washington's Gristmill &Distillery Informational Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Heather Renz, July 13, 2010

2. George Washington's Gristmill &Distillery Informational Sign

Markers at the Washington Grist Mill Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

3. Markers at the Washington Grist Mill Site

Reconstructed Grist Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 20, 2010

4. Reconstructed Grist Mill

Millstones and Wheel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 20, 2010

5. Millstones and Wheel

The grist mill is fully functional. During tours of the mill, guides explain each component of the process of milling grain.

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 20, 2010

6. Distillery

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 20, 2010

7. Still

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 938 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 20, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 15, 2010, by Heather Renz of Redmond, Oregon. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 20, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.