Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Chisman's Mill, 1675-1711

Edward Chisman itemized the expense of erecting a mill, which included the import of stones and iron from England. The total cost of building the mill, labor and material, amounted to 21,405 pounds of tobacco, or the equivalent of 170 pounds sterling. Annual profits of the mill were calculated at 4000 pounds of tobacco. (Abstracted from York County Records, Vol. 1675-1684, as found in P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia in the Seventeenth Century, II,pp, 489-490.)

One of the items included in the will of Thomas Chisman (January, 1711) of Charles Parish, York County, was a mill bequeathed as follows; "I give and bequeath my Water MIll with all belonging thereunto between my loving wife and my son Thomas Chisman & after my wifes decease to my son Thomas and his heirs lawfully begotten forever." (York County Records, Orders, Wills, Book 14. p. 434.)

Heyward's Mill, 1676

By 1676, John Heyward of York County was offering his half interest in a mill for 20 pounds sterling, 1000 pounds of Indian corn and 5 5 bushels of English wheat. (Abstracted from York County Records, Vol. 1671-1694, as found in P. A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia in the Seventeenth Century, II, 489.) The land of Heyward's on which the mill was situated has been located as near unto the "Rich Neck" lands patented by Philip Ludwell. In 1676, "Rich Neck" was the plantation seat of Philip Ludwell (Hening's Statutes at Large, II, 404).

Parke's Mill, 1678

Col. Parke's mill is mentioned as being on Queen's Creek in 1678, when Joseph Ffrith transferred to Christopher Peirson land described as follows: "A parcel of land being by computation 40 acres…situate, lying and being upon the head of Queens Creek…beginning at a marked poplar by the swamp side by the path that goeth from the said Christopher Peirson's house to Coll. Parkes mill…" (York County Records, Deeds, Orders, Wills, Book 6, p. 71.)

Old MIll, 1696

Matthew Jeffreys deeded land to Robert Cobbs, described as follows: "One seat of land…in the Parish of Bruton County of York at the head of Queens Creek, bounded as follows: Beginning at ye old Mill and running up a little swamp…ending at a field known late by the name of Silvester Putnams field…" (York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, Book 1, p. 126.)

Skimino Mill (Bates' Mill), 1712

Skimino Mill was once the property of William Byrd II as he recorded on February 18, 1712: "James Bates came to buy Skimino Mill and at last agreed to take it for £248." (The Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover, 1709-1712, Richmond: 1941, p. 487.) Skimino was located across from Capahosick (Hening's Statutes at Large, Vol. VI, p. 16) This was on the south bank of the York River. According to a deed, dated October 15, 1804, 6 Bates' Mill was sold to John Baker by Elizabeth Baker. (York County Records, Deed Book 7, p. 458.)

Whaley's Mill (?), 1716 (?)

Among petitions filed with the York County Court is a petition entitled "Whaley & liberty to Build Water Griss Mill," which reads as follows: "In ye petition of Mary Whaley, widow for liberty to build a Water Griss Mill on a Run of Water near Queens Creek, Jno Hubard being owner of ye Land opposite to that of ye petitioner, it is ordered that ye Sheriff Summon ye said Hubard to appear at ye next Court and answer ye said petition." (York County Deeds and Orders, Book 15, 1716-1720, p. 42.) Although the petition is not dated, from other petitions filed apparently concurrently, it seems that the request was made in November l7l6.

Custis's Mill, 1716

In a petition for a "Bridge over Queens Creek," mention is made of Custis's mill as the following quotation will indicate: "On ye petition of W. Timson, W. Jackson and sundry others, ye inhabitants of Bruton Parish, Setting forth ye Road to be dangerous and inconvenient for Carts and horses by reason of ye Mill and dam belonging to Majr Jno Custis, being ruined by ye late violent Rains, and ye said Custis refusing to rebuild or repair ye said Mill or Dam to ye great inconveniency of ye inhabitants going to their Parish Church or Court, Wherefore, it is ordered that W. Timson and James Burwell, Gent, inquire into ye charge of building a Bridge Over Queens Creek at Wmsburgh Landing & ye most likely & proper Means to defray ye same & make report to ye next Court." (York County Deeds and Orders, Book 15. 1716-1720, p. 8.)

William Byrd in his "Diary" refers to the relationship between his wife (the former Lucy Parke) and the wife of Colonel John [Parke] Custis 7 (the former Frances Parke). On November 3, 1709, Byrd wrote: "Then I took leave of the Council and returned to Dr. [Barret's] from whence I waited on the ladies to Queen's Creek where my mother Parke's things were divided between my wife and her sister."¹ A footnote on page 102 of his "Diary" states that John and Frances Custis were living at Queens Creek, York County at this time. (For location of Custis's mill See maps in Appendix #3.)

In November 1711, an act was introduced in the Assembly to enable "John Custis and Frances his wife, to sell a Mill, with certain Lands and Negros, which are entailed on the said Frances, by the last will and testament of Daniel Parke, Esq. deceased, for paiment of the debts and legacies of the said Daniel." (Hening's Statutes at Large, Vol. IV, p. 29.)

Oaken Neck Mill, 1717

Oaken Neck Mill was in Bruton Parish, York County, near Wades Spring branch, Perryman's Spring branch, Ratlif's, and John Bates' line (York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, III, 238).

Lightfoot's Mill, 1723

In 1723, Philip Lightfoot "by his Petition set forth his intention of building a publick water grist mill on Kings or Ubys Creek in this County having land on one side and praying that an acre of the opposite side in the possession of Robert Jackson may be laid off…" (York County Records, Orders, Wills, Book 16, p. 22th) Lightfoot owned a plantation on Queen's Creek in September 1738. The Virginia Gazette (Parks, ed.) advertised that "Philip Lightfoot, Esq., [was located] on Queen's Creek near Williamsburg…"

Rippon Hall Mill, 1730

Rippon Hall plantation was bought from Colonel Edmund Jennings by Robert Carter (Carter Papers, VI, Virginia Historical Society). This mill, located on the west side of Queen's Creek in York County, was bought afterwards. The will of Robert Carter, made in 1730. provided that the mill be left to his son, Robert Wormeley Carter (Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, VI, pp. 11. 15, 16). For further study of the Rippon Hall Mill, see notes on mills for the yeara 1771, 1776, and 1801 which follow.

Flowers Branch Mill, 1737/38

This mill was located near Yorktown and owned by Lawrence Smith. (William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, Vol. II, p. 10.)

Bray's Mill, 1738

Thomas Bray, who lived near Williamsburg, advertised for a miller: "THE Subscriber hereof, is in Want of Three honest Millers. Any Person recommended well as such, and understanding the Care of a Water Grist-Mill, shall, upon application to me at Williamsburg, be allowed sufficient yearly Wages…" (Virginia Gazette, Parks, ed., December 29, 1738.)

Armistead's Mill, 1739

"A chancery suit in Williamsburg—Bartle v. Allen, 1823—is regarding a mill, which…Robert Armistead, of York County, father of Booth Armistead, built in 1739… The mill wad four miles from Hampton and one mile from James River." (William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, Vol. VI, p. 231.)

George Washington's Mill, 1767

In 1767, George Washington advertised that he "would RENT for a term of years, two PLANTATIONS, which he holds in right of his wife, 9 within a mile or two of the city of Williamsburg, and adjoining, the Capitol bridge… A valuable Grist Mill just rebuilt…may also be rented…" (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds., April 2, 1767.) In his "Diary" on May 16, 1769, Washington made the following entry about a mill: "Rid over my dower¹ Land in York, to shew that and the Mill to the Gentlemen appointed by Genl. Court to value and report thereon." (George Washington Diaries, Vol. I, p. 325.) It is possible that this gristmill, owned by Washington by dower of his wife, Martha Custis, was the Custis and Parke Mill previously referred to.

Prentis' Mill, 1768

William Prentis' executors advertised at public auction on July 28, 1768 "…also a water grist mill…within 2 miles of the said lands [adjoining Mr. James Bates' lands]." (Virginia Gazette, Rind., ed.)

Rippon Hall Mill, 1771 (cont.)

On January 12, 1771, Col. Landon Carter in his diary refers to writing "a letter to Mr Ball at Rippon Hall about the building of my Mill there." (William and Mary Quarterly, Series 1, Vol. XIII, p. 158.) Dr. Lyon G. Tyler says Bigler's Mill (a 19th century mill) is on the Rippon Hall tract (Ibid., Series 1, Vol. I, p. 86). Mention of the mill occurs again on May 16, 1776 in Col. Carter's diary: "It seems my mill there [at Rippon Hall] was in great danger of breaking, but he has now secured her well… Mill dam in tolerably good order, but a little wanting to make 10 things there very strong and troughs to let the ponds from the runs into the canal run off into the meadow wch is to be." (Ibid., Series I, Vol. XVII, p. 16.)

Burwell's Mill, l781

Burwell's Mill was located at the head of King's Creek near the road to York. (See St. Simon's Map of 1781, Map Book, Department of Research, for location.) Captain John Davis in his diary made the following comment on November 5, 1781: "Marched at 9 o'clock to Burrell's Mill, 18 miles." (Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. I, p. 12, See also: Calendar of Virginia State Papers. Vol. II. p. 497, September, 178l.)

Paradise's Mill, 1782

John Paradise was owner of a mill near Williamsburg. On November 16, 1782, Paradise advertised, probably through an overseer; "RUN away from Mr. Paradise's Mill, near Williamsburg a negro man named GEORGE, a carpenter by trades but has been miller at the said mill for many years…" (Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser.) Paradise's wife inherited property from her father, Philip Ludwell. The mill mentioned in the foregoing notice may have been Ludwell's Mill near Archer's Hope Creek, or Powhatan Mill. There is no way of knowing definitely.

Dunmore's Mill, 1784

Lord Dunmore's claims (1784) as a Loyalist in America (filed in the Public Record Office, London, Audit Office 13, Bundle 23) show that Dunmore possessed "a Valuable Grist Mill that Rented at £200 pr annum Currt— 800 [sterling]." Also included in the claim was "a Saw Mill newly erected—400 [£ sterling;]." The location of the gristmill or sawmill is not given, but on the same page on which the foregoing items are listed, Dunmore's place at Porto Bello is mentioned all well as a house and lot of 11 land in Williamsburg. (Photostat copies of claims in Department of Research.)

Allen's Mill, 1788

In a deed to Thomas Bristor from Mary May, dated June 16, 1787, Allen's Mill is located on a tract described as "50 Acres bounded by Carter and William Ruffin in York Count…" (York County Records, Deeds, Book 6, p. 347.)

Digges's MIll, 1788

William Digges and wife in a deed to William Waller of Hanover County, dated January 21, 1788, conveyed "…All that Water Grist Mill commonly called and Known by the name of Digges' Mill with an acre of Land on each side…contiguous to the said MIll…" (York County Records, Deed Book, p. 360.)

Beall's MIll, 1789

In January 1789, Samuel Beall of James City County sold to Robert Greenhow, merchant of Williamsburg, for the sum of 500 pounds gold and silver current money of Virginia "the mill Tract lying and being in the county of York purchased by the said Beall of Carter Braxton¹…including the said Bealls' mill and adjoining the Land of Ralph Graves, Charles Graves and John Pierce…" (York County Records, Deed Book 6, p. 393-394.)

Brown's Mill, 1791

Brown's Mill is mentioned in a deed (April 10, 179l) of Chesley Buffin to William Lark: "…70 Acres adjoining Henry Brown's MIll at the line of Colonel Carter…" (York County Records, Deed Book 6) p. 371.)

Howard's Mill, 1792

Elizabeth Howard deeded to John Tomer (July 16, 1792) for a consideration of 30 pounds current money of Virginia: "…My half of a Water GristMill which was devised to me by the last will and testament of my deceased Husband Robert Howard lying and being on the Main Road leading from York to Hampton commonly called and known by the name of Howard's Mill…" (York County Records, Deed Book 7, p. 49.) See photostat of Clinton Map in Appendix ^#3 for location and picture of this gristmill.

Reade's Mill, 1794

Reade's Mill is mentioned in a deed from John Reade to Edward C. Howard whereby the former conveyed "… ½ interest in Reade's Mill in York County…" (York,County Records, Deed Book 7, p. 96.) No further description of the location of this mill is given in the deed.

Rippon Hall Mill, 1801 (cont.)

On January 25, 1801, George Carter deeded to Benjamin Waller "A water grist mill commonly called and known by the name of Rippon Hall Mill together with all the lands usually covered by the water within the Dam of the said mill, and all mill houses, mill stones, and all and every appurtenance and appurtenances belonging to the said water grist mill. And an acre of land on each side of the said mill dam, which said mill, land and houses are located in the Parish of Bruton and County of York, and were devised to the said George Carter by his late father Robert Wormeley Carter." (York County Records, Deed Book 7, p. 352.)

Ludwell's Mill, 1703 (including Powhatan Mill)

Ludwell's Mill is mentioned in the will of Will Broadribb, of James City County (May 3, 1703) when he devised to his son "all my land 13 between the road that leads between Collo Ludwell's Mill & Powhatan Mill…" (William and Mary Quarterly, First Series) XIV, p. 36.)

Thomas Ludwell, Secretary of State 1660-1678, lived at Rich Neck on the west side of Archer's Hope Creek. Ludwell sold a part of the land for 110 pounds sterling in 1674/5 to Thomas Ballard, accompanying the deed with a map by Robert Beverley, surveyor-general. Ballard sold the tract to the College of William and Mary. (William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, X, p. 91.)

In the will of Philip Ludwell (proved May 6, 1767), he bequeathed to his daughters "…all land in Green Spring part i. [illegible] in James City County…in which I include Pouhatan Mill and the miller…" (Virginia Magazine of History & Biography, XIX, p. 288.)

Mitchelson's Mill 1752

John Mitchelson's Mill is located as being near Williamsburg in the following advertisement: "John Mitchelson on having conveyed his Estate…for the Payment of his Debts the Sale thereof will begin on the 25th Instant, at the Grist-Mill, lately belonging to him, about a Mile from Williamsburg…" (Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, ed., October 13, 1752.)

Blair's Mill, 1766 (on edge of New Kent and James City Counties)

In an act for redistricting James City and New Kent Counties, reference is made to the mill of John Blair in defining the boundaries of the respective counties. (Hening's Statutes at Large, VIII, p. 209.) 14 In his notes on the weather, John Blair mentions his mill dam on May 25, 1751: "… heavy rain p. m. my mildam in danger." (From Diary of John Blair, William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, VII, p. 140.)

Coke's Mill, 1769

Robert Nicholson and Samuel Coke advertised for a builder of a mill. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds., January 12, 1769.) On February 6, 1772, Samuel Coke advertised that he "WANTED A MILLER, who is a white Man, for a Common Gristmill within a MIle of Williamsburg, to whom good Wages will be given." (Ibid.)

Allen's Mill, 1736

The estate of Joseph Allen included a "water grist mill…lying and being in the county of New-Kent…which he [Joseph Allen] purchased of one Edmund Walker." John Allen inherited the mill. (Hening's Statutes at Large, IV, pp. 539-40.)

Brown's Mills, 1737/38

An announcement in the Virginia Gazette (Parks, ed., January 6, 1737/38), advertising James Brown's plantation for sale, takes note of several mills. The land is described as being "about Three Miles above New-Market Mill, and in the second Fork of Pamunkey River; the Land lyes on a main Road, and is very convenient to a Church, and several good Mills…being the Land and Plantation whereon James Brown now lives."

Mills near New Kent County Courthouse, 1768

In an advertisement appearing in the Virginia Gazette (Purdie & Dixon, eds.) of February 25, 1768, are noted "several good mills." A tract of land is described as "lying in New Kent County, within 5 miles of the court-house, and very convenient to Pamunkey and Chickahominy 15 Rivers."

Providence Forge Mills (later Jerdone's Mills), 1771

When the estate of Charles J. Smith of Providence Forge. New Kent County, was advertised for sale on January 25, 1771, properties itemized included "two well built Water Grist Mills, with three pair of stones." (William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, V, p. 21.) Francis Jerdone purchased the estate and held it with William Holt, business partner of the former Charles J. Smith (Ibid.). In his will Francis Jerdone left "a grist mill" to his sons John and William. (Ibid., VI, p. 37.) In 1775, William Holt gave a mortgage deed on his part of the above described estate to Mrs. Jerdone. The deed showed that a gristmill was located on his land and that the estate counted among its workers two millers. (Ibid., V, p. 22.)

Allen's Mill of Bacon's Castle, Surry County, 1711

Major Arthur Allen of Bacon's Castle, Surry County, was owner of a mill as shown in the inventory of his estate, June 1711: "…Mill House, Mill Dam, Stones & Iron work &c…39£"; also "A Pair of Mill Stones & Iron work…25£ 18s." (Copy of inventory from Mrs. W. P. Warren, owner of BAcon's Castle, Department of Research.)

Washington's Mill, Gloucester County, 1767

On March 12, 1767, Warner Washington advertised in the Virginia Gazette (Rind, ed.) as follows: "A VALUABLE Tract of Land, containing about 500 acres, pleasantly situated on Pianketank River in Gloucester County… There will likewise be Sold a valuable GRIST MILL…"

Grist Mill on James River, 1770

Henry Morse offered for sale "THE capitol prize drawn in Colonel Lyrd's lottery, consisting of a DOUBLE FORGE and GRIST MILL on James 16 River… The mill has been well accustomed for these 60 years past, and is worth at least 200£, a year." (Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed., Sept. 13, 1770.)

Braxton's Mill near Newcastle, 1783

Carter Braxton mentions one of his mills in a letter when he says, "My Mert mill below Newcastle goes very well and makes about 100 Barels Flour a Week…" (Prentis Letters, Department of Research.)

Windmill on Yorktown Creek, York County, 1711

"John Lewis, Esq., and Madam Elizabeth Lewis, wife of said John Lewis, Esq., sell to William Buckner one acre of land at a point near Yorktown, on York River, just below a small creek formerly known as Townshend's Creek, and some-times it is called in ancient patents Martue's Creek, but now it is called Yorktown Creek, one chain and a half on the river bank, for a windmill, to enter if the mill is not kept up, to grind for the donors 12 bbls. of Indian corn without toll."(York County Records, of date July 16, 1711, as found in William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, X, p. 274.) [Tyler's Williamsburg, The Old Colonial Capital (Richmond: 1907), p. 263, shows a picture of "The Old Windmill at Yorktown, Standing About 1850." Source not given. A photograph of "The Old Windmill in Yorktown" is carried in National Republic (Washington, D. C.: 1930), Vol. XVIII, no. 6]

Robertson's Windmill in Williamsburg, York County, 1723

Before 1723 a windmill had been erected in Williamsburg as the deed (dated December 12, 1723) from William Robertson to John Holloway will indicate. For a consideration of 80 pounds, property was conveyed which was described as "All those four lots of ground lying and being in the City of Williamsburg denoted in the plan of the said city by the figures 236, 237, 207, 208 being the lots whereon the said William Robertsons wind mill stands…" (York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, III, p. 412.)

See Archaeological Report, Area "C," Block 28, Department of Research, for possible site of colonial windmill.

Beverley's Windmill, Essex County, 1745

William Beverley of Blandfield, Essex County, ordered timber 23 for a windmill:

"Orders for Timbers for a Windmill March 25, 1745
"100 ft. of Inch & ¼ plank
"500 ft. of Feather Edge Plank of Popular.
"The Vein Arms 50 ft. Long)
12 Inches by 5 Inches)
"100 ft. of Inch Plank
"The Logg wheel & Running gear to be let alone 'till ye mill wright comes"

"The Millwright's Letter to ye Milstone man in Liverpool: "Send a pr. of Whittle HIll stones four feet and an half over and let them be Currish Gritt & very hard with Iron-Work suitable for a Windmill. Let it be able, and as these prove, you shall have further Business, Eight Sails twenty feet long, 3-foot 4 Inches wide of good Holland Duck & let the Selvages be very well lined with small cords, & well sewed with good twine. I was desired to send to you by your old Friend Edmond Dartington.
Edward Bullock"

Beverley, William, Letters and Accounts 1734-1748, copy in Department of Research

Windmill on south bank of York River, 1755

A windmill is shown on the south bank of the York River on the western edge of Yorktown. (See drawing, entitled "A View of Yorktown, 1755," reproduced from the original in Library of Mariners' Museum, Newport News, Virginia. Photostat copy on page 102, Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 54. Article by Dr. E. G. Swem in same issue concerning the finding of the drawing.) The location of the windmill in this recently discovered view corresponds with the location of the windmill cited in deed of 1711 (referred to on page 22 of this report). The location also corresponds with the location of a mill given in a deed of 1844 subsequently quoted.

Hugh Walker's Windmill in Williamsburg, 1771

"Thursday, May 30, 1771

"I HAVE for sale ten LOTS or half acres of land, in the City of Williamsburg, near Dr. James Carter's, being the lots whereon the late Col. Hollaway lived. …
I would also sell the brick WINDMILL I late-purchased of Major Tallaferro, which very late experience has proved may be made, with little alteration, exceedingly convenient and profitable.
Hugh Waler"

(Virginia Gazette, William Rind, ed.)

Windmills in Norfolk Borough, 1771, 1773

The advertisements below indicate that brick windmills were in use also in other sections of Virginia:

"To beLEASED for a Term of Years, and entered upon by the 25th of November next, A TRACT of LAND pleasantly situated, opposite to the Borough of Norfolk, commonly called Windmill Point, on which are two Brick WINDMILLS completely fitted for grinding, with a large BAKEHOUSE containing four Ovens and three Bolting Mills all under one Roof, a large Granary sufficient to contain four or five Thousand Bushels of Wheat, with some Negroes, among whom are Millers, Bakers…
Robert Tucker"(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., issue of July 11, 1771.)

"To be SOLD, on Wednesday the 5th of May next, About ten LOTS of LAND, situated in the Borough of Norfolk, and on the main River, on one of which is erected a Brick GRIST WINDMILL in good Repair…
THOMAS TALBOT
JOSEPH HUTCHINGS"(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., issue of Mar. 11, 1773.)

Workman for Windmill, 1775

On October 27, 1775, an advertisement appeared for "A WORKMAN skilled in erecting a WINDMILL, and fixing the sails to work." (Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed.) See Appendix #3 for cuts of windmill sails used on windmills in England and in the colonies at this period. Millwrights probably traveled about in the colonies erecting and making repairs on windmills and on the over-shor and under-shot types of water mills.

Windmill on York River, 1844

On January 20, 1844, a release deed in York County to Richard R. Garrett mentions "a piece or parcel of Land lying in the County of York and called the Windmill Lot containing…acres be the same more or less & bounded as follows York River on the North York Town on the East & wind mill creek on the West…" (York County Records, Deeds, Book 14, p. 96.)

Clinton Map, 1778

The map is described as "A Sketch of the East End of the Peninsula Where on is Hampton." Original in W. L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan. (See Map Book, Department of Research, p. 39, for photostat.) On this map appear five windmills.

Bauman Map, 1781

The map is a diagram of the position of forces during the Siege of Yorktown. The conventional sign for a windmill (sails and tower) marks the location of such a mill on the east bank of the creek to the west of Yorktown. The creek was known as "Yorktown Creek" later. (See Map Book, Department of Research, p. 17, for photostat.)

Frenchman's Map, 1782

This map located what appears to be a windmill in an area behind the hospital in Williamsburg (south of Duke of Gloucester Street). The marking may have been the site of the Parks Paper Mill. (See The Parks Paper Mill, by Rutherfoord Goodwin, copy in Department of Research.)

Lewis Map, 1794

Drawn by Samuel Lewis and found in Jefferson's Notes (third edition, 1801), the map denotes "Windmill Point" on the James River.

Virginia Map #9, 1826 [John Tyler, Governor of Virginia]

Copy of map in Library, College of William and Mary.

Tourist's Map, 1834

By J. H. Young, the map shows "Windmill Point" in Lancaster County on the Chesapeake Bay. (Map in Library, College of William and Mary.)

Tanner Map, 1833

The map comprises the area of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware 26 and marks the location of a "Windmill Point" as being in Prince George County, opposite Westover, Charles City County, Virginia. (Map in Library, College of William and Mary.)

Military Map, 1861

This map of southwestern Virginia also designates "Windmill Point" in Prince George County, Virginia> (Map in Library, College of William and Mary.)

Military Map, 1867

An area of thirty five miles around Richmond is mapped by Jed Hotchkiss, engineer, Staunton, Virginia (published by C. Bohn, Washington and Richmond). On it are designated "Windmill Point" at Fleur de Hundred opposite Willcox's Wharf in Charles City County, and "Windmill Farm" five miles southeast of "Windmill Point" at the mouth of Ward's Creek as it enters the James River. (Map in Library, College of William and Mary.)

1) Description of Windmill at Newport, R. I.

"…It is a hugh cylinder, composed of unhewn stones—common granite, slate, sandstone, and pudding-stone—cemented with coarse mortar, made of the soil on which the structure stands, and shell lime. It rests upon eight round columns, a little more than three feet in diameter, and ten feet high from the ground to the spring of the arches. The wall is three feet thick, and the whole edifice, at the present time, is twenty-four feet high. The external diameter is twenty-three feet. Governor Gibbs informed me that, on excavating at the base of one of the pillars, he found the soil about four feet deep, lying upon a stratum of hard rock, and that the foundation of the column, which rested upon this rock was composed of rough-hewn spheres of stone, the lower ones about four feet in circumference…"(Lossing's Pictorial Field-Book, Vol. I, p. 632. Illustration on p. 633. This description was written by Lossing in 1848.)

The following information in the Stokes Collection, New York Public Library, has reference to the windmill at Newport: 27

"Ruins of tower base with the caption: 'There are those who think it had been a Fortress.' but still I can never admit this picturesque Ruin has been a Mill.

"Red Rover p. 62
"Print publ.
by H. Barber
Newport, R. I. 1835."
(Notes by courtesy of A. Lawrence Kocher.)

2) Illustrations of Windmills

Country Life (London, September 1946): A picture of an old windmill appears which had been recently razed by a storm. The windmill was at Burton Dassett in Warwickshire, England. The windmill is the post type, similar to the cut by Diderot shown in Appendix #2 of this report.(Magazine lent by courtesy of A. Lawrence Kocher.)

Diderot, Dictionn Des Sciences — Recueil De Planches, sur Les Sciences et Les Arts, Planches Tom I (Paris, 1762): Pl. I Agriculture Economie Rustique, Moulin A Vent
Pl. II " " " " "
Pl. III " " " " "(See photostats, Appendix #2.)

Gentleman's Magazine (1749) Vol. XIX, pp. 248-249, Figure II: "A View of the D. of Argyle's horizontal Windmill, for raising Water, at his Seat on Hounslow Heath; with a half Plan of the Same."Description of the windmill on pp. 249-250.)

Ibid., (1752) Vol. XXII, p. 18: Illustration and description of windmill regulator.

Ibid., (1752) Vol. XXII, pp. 180-81, Figures I and II:Views of ventilators and windmill at Newgate. Text on p. 182 entitled: "A Description of the Windmill [erected April 17, 1752], which is fixed on Newgate to work the Ventilators; this Mill was made by Mr Cowper in Penny Fields Poplar."(See photostat of Figures I and II of the windmill, Appendix #2.)

Ibid., (1752) Vol. XXII, p. 548, Figure I: "A new Horizontal Windmill" — patent granted Nov. 1752(See photostat, Appendix #2.)

Knight, Edward H., American Mechanical Dictionary (New York, 1875), Vol. III, p. 2781: Diagram of windmill.

The Architectural Review (London, September 1945):"Windmills in England." (See photostat of windmill in Appendix #2. Magazine lent by courtesy of A. Lawrence Kocher.)

The Builders Magazine (1714-1780), Plage #47:See photostat of plate in Appendix #2.

Illustration of Italian Windmill (gift of Arthur A. Shurcliff to the Department of Research, May 9, 1932):Cited as "Trapani — Mulino a vento."

Tide Mill near Norfolk, 1766

John Hollowell "On the Western Branch, about 9 miles from Norfolk town" advertised his plantation "whereon is a TIDE MILL that can 29 grind from 6 to 8000 bushels of grain in a year with one pair of stones, and has water enough to carry two pair…" (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., July 4, 1766.)

Tide Gate in Charles City County at Rocky Ridge, 1769

William Kennon in advertising land for sale included in the description "a valuable mill…several hundred acres of … marsh, well banked and secured from the tide, except the loss of a tide gate blown up by neglect, and easily repaired…" (Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed., November 16, 1769. The Gazette stated also that "the mill was newly built within four miles of the dwelling-house…")

Tide Mill in New Kent County, 1771

The plantation of John Townes "in New Kent County, four Miles below the Brickhouse Ferry" on the York River included among its improvements "a good Tide Mill on a Creek near the House…" (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., February 14, 1771.)

Tide Mills (grist and saw in Surry County, 1771

John Cocke advertised for sale "ONE moiety or the whole of my GRIST and SAW MILLS near Cabin Point, in Surry county, with 3 pair of mill stones, and 2 saws, which are well accustomed, and very profitable, and with an additional expence of 100£ may be made much more so. These mills are situated on Chipoake creek, on the south side of James river, about midway of the river, in a growing neighborhood, and on good navigation, has a never failing stream of water, where merchant mills may be erected…and may be so built that there would be 10 or 12 feet of water near the mill-house at common tides.…" (Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed., May 2, 1771.)

Mills around Hampton, 1778

Clinton's Map of the Peninsula around Hampton (1778) shows 30 two gristmills, "Armistead's" at the head of Salt Creek; and "Howard's" at the head of Pocosan River. The map shows the waterwheels on each mill (see Map Book, Department of Research, p. 39).

Tide Mill in Gloucester County¹

"The Tide Mill on the Poplar Grove estate near Christ Church, has a huge wheel that turns one way when the tide rushes into the cove and the other way when it goes out…" (Virginia, A Guide to the Old Dominion.)