Gristmill
In pioneer villages, mills were among the first structures to be built. Water-powered mills ground flour, cracked corn and sawed lumber. An abundant water supply was a boon to the small community of Dayton. By the winter of 1822-23, there were fifty grist mills along the Miami River, eleven in Montgomery County alone.
At the heart of the mill were the water wheel and wooden gears which drove the machinery. Overshot wheels like this one used the weight and momentum of falling water to generate the power needed to run the millworks. This building is modeled on Staley's mill, built in 1818, in New Carlisle.
Dedicated in Carillon Historical Park, 1950.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.
Location. 39° 43.666′ N, 84° 12.042′ W. Marker is in Dayton, Ohio, in Montgomery County. It is in University Park. It can be reached from Carillon Boulevard 0.3 miles west of South Patterson Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dayton OH 45439, United
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Miami Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Gristmill (here, next to this marker); The Old River Park Swimming Pool Light Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); What Did You Find? (within shouting distance of this marker); Marie Sturwold Aull (within shouting distance of this marker); The Marie Aull Tribute Sculpture & Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Wright Cycle Company (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Old River Park Swimming Pool Light Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named What Did You Find? (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dayton.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 488 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 23, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.




