Aldie in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Aldie Mill
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 4, 2007
1. Aldie Mill Marker
In the 1800s and early 1900s Aldie Mill reverberated with the rhythmic sounds of waterwheels, millstones, and farmers chatting with the miller about the weather and their crops. Charles Fenton Mercer located the grist mill here to capitalize on nearby sources of grain, the waters of Little River, and a network of roads. The Little River Turnpike (U.S. 50), connecting Aldie with the port of Alexandria, was nearly finished. And less than a mile to the west the highway would hook up with turnpikes through Ashby's Gap and the Snicker's Gap in the Blue Ridge. Ideally located, Aldie Mill turned Loudoun County's bountiful wheat harvest into flour for markets along the east coast and overseas.Erected by Virginia Outdoors Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings.
Location. 38° 58.518′ N, 77° 38.492′ W. Marker is in Aldie, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker is on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Waterpower System (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Aldie Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Slashing Sabers (within shouting distance of this marker); A Freedom Seeker from Aldie: The Story of Daniel Dangerfield (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Aldie (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee Moves North Again (within shouting distance of this marker); The Milling Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Mercer’s Home (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aldie.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has additional information on one of the mill’s owners.
Also see . . .
1. National Park Service article on Aldie Mill. (Submitted on June 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Time stands still at Old Aldie Mill. (Submitted on June 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Additional commentary.
1.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 4, 2007
2. Merchant Mill Building
From “Time Stands Still at the Old Aldie Mill,” by the Waterford Historical Society:
The miller asked the boy tolling the grain, ‘Whose wheat is that?’
‘Mr. Fairfax’s, sir.’
‘Did you toll him?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Well, toll him again. He's a rich man and can afford it.’
Next day the miller came upon the boy and asked:
‘Whose cornmeal is that?’
‘Mr. Jones’s, sir.’
‘Did you toll him?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Well, toll him again. He’s a poor man; let’s keep him poor.’
The “miller’s toll” was a portion of the milled grain set aside by the miller in lieu of payment. —Ed.
— Submitted June 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 4, 2007
3. Waterwheels
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 4, 2007
4. Country Mill Building
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 29, 2007
5. The Water Trace and Overshot Wheels
Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 21, 2016
6. Sign At Aldie Mill
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,524 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on April 21, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
