Colvin Run Mill

The ideas for the Colvin Mill went through several hands before the Mill was finally constructed. The site of the Mill was chosen by George Washington for its close proximity to water, though Washington died before the Mill was built. In 1811, William Sheppard purchased the land and began construction on the building, basing the design on principles by Oliver Evans.

The mill's machinery was innovative for its time. In 1795, Oliver Evans created a technology that would allow mill production to be a single process. This innovation meant less labor was needed and the mill would be able to produce more product. In the Colvin Mill there are four machines that are able to move the grain through a continuous grinding and sifting process. A 20-foot water wheel powers the process. Sixty buckets extend around the perimeter of the wheel. The weight of the buckets forces the wheel to move in a clockwise motion. By creating a single force, it is easier to harness the power generated by the wheel. The nine-foot cog pit and gears transport the power generated throughout the rest of the mill. The pit and gears push the grinding wheel, and the hopper boy sifts the grain into the finished product.

During the Civil War, 5,000 Union troops under Brigadier General Edward O.C. Ord remained at the Mill to protect the rear and prevent the 3rd Brigade of Pennsylvania Reserves from being cut off from their base at Langley. The Battle of Dranesville, which pitted General Ord's forces against those of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart, resulted in a Union victory.

In 1965 the Fairfax County Park Authority acquired the mill and its property, and began an extensive restoration project. The county established a historic district in 1972 to protect the mill and the surrounding area. The mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Today, the Mill continues to function, but is also used as a museum. Within the mill, visitors will learn about the difference in technology and how the advancements effected the economy of Virginia. The museum frequently holds special exhibits and events that preserve the history of other food-based technological advancements. The property includes a gift shop, the "General Store," where visitors are able to buy some of the products they see produced in the Mill, as well as "penny" candy, toys, books, snacks, and beverages.

The grounds outside the mill offer scenic wooded and landscaped grounds, where guests are invited to picnic and hike the nature, Cross Country, and Rails to River trails. From February to December, special programs featuring live music, craft demonstrations, ice cream making, seasonal activities, and summer camp are also available.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers. "#214 Colvin Run Mill." Engineering History: Landmarks. Accessed August 12, 2016. https://www.asme.org/about-asme/who-we-are/engineering-history/landmarks/214-colvin-run-mill.

"Colvin Run Mill - Fairfax County, Virginia." Fairfax County, Virginia. Accessed August 12, 2016. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvinrunmill/.

David, Elizabeth S.. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, August 6th 1976. Accessed December 27th 2019. https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/VLR_to_transfer/PDFNoms/029-0008_Colvin_Run_Mill_1977_Final_Nomination.pdf.