Occoquan in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Ellicott’s Mill

Photographed by Kevin White, September 6, 2007

1. Ellicott's Mill Marker (Obverse)

Inscription. John Ballendine established this gristmill at the Occoquan Falls ca. 1755. By 1800 it was owned by Nathaniel Ellicott and housed machinery to unload grain from wagons or barges, grind it, and return it to its carrier. The building, the region’s first automated gristmill, burned in 1924. Only the Miller’s House, now the Mill House Museum, remains.

Erected by Town of Occoquan.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Virginia, Historic Occoquan series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1755.

Location. 38° 41.13′ N, 77° 15.731′ W. Marker is in Occoquan, Virginia, in Prince William County. It is on Mill Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Occoquan VA 22125, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the

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Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Occoquan (a few steps from this marker); Historic Occoquan (a few steps from this marker); Gearwheel Assembly (a few steps from this marker); Town of Occoquan (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Historic Occoquan (a few steps from this marker); The Road to Yorktown (a few steps from this marker); Economic Development in Occoquan and its Dependence on Enslaved Peoples (a few steps from this marker); Historic Carbide Bunker (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Occoquan.

Regarding Ellicott’s Mill. The Mill House has been recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Bill of Rights Chapter, as a deserving

Ellicott's Mill Marker (Reverse) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin White, September 6, 2007

2. Ellicott's Mill Marker (Reverse)

ca. 1920. Photo by J. Harry Shannon

and eligible site for a marker. The “Merchants Mill House” was orginally recognized in 1970 and a plaque placed on the outside of the Mill House. The original marker (see picture 5) was stolen in 1996. In June of 1997, the Chapter and Historic Occoquan bought and dedicated a new marker jointly and placed it inside the Mill House building (see picture 6).

The Mill House Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin White, September 6, 2007

3. The Mill House Museum

Prince William County Historical Commission Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin White, September 6, 2007

4. Prince William County Historical Commission Plaque

These plaques are placed on buildings the Historical Commission determines as significant in Prince William County's history.

Daughters of the American Revolution Plague (located inside museum). image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin White, September 6, 2007

5. Daughters of the American Revolution Plague (located inside museum).

Merchants Mill House
1765
Marked by
Bill of Rights Chapter
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
November 1, 1970 Re-Dedicated 1997

Original DAR plaque. image. Click for full size.

6. Original DAR plaque.

Picture obtained from the Bill of Rights Chapter, NSDAR website, (http://www.jadecat.com/dar/).

Occoquan River image. Click for full size.

National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, June 4, 2019

7. Occoquan River

Viewing east from footbridge at river.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,297 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 9, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 7. submitted on September 21, 2019. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.