Burwell Morgan Grist Mill

During the first two weeks of my journey through the quiet town of Millwood, in the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, I slowly became aware that I could not simply make a video about the Grist Mill, then "call it a day." The history of the mill is the history of Millwood. I would have to do the whole town, or at least as much as possible.

Millwood is a story, but not only of the business partnership between Gen. Daniel Morgan and Col. Nathaniel Burwell. Hessian prisioners-of-war built the mill out of native limestone, and built other structures in the area as well. The founding of Millwood is their story. African-American slaves ran the mill -- at one point twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. Many of their descendents live in Millwood today. Millwood, then, is their generational story. Millwood is undoubtedly part of my story, albeit in a smaller way. As a native Virginian with multi-generational ties to Alexandria and throughout the Commonwealth, I am certain that my ancestors consumed products originating from Millwood.

Because it reached the West Indies and European markets; the Burwell Morgan Grist Mill, and Millwood, Virginia, may be part of your family's story as well.

GLARING ERROR REPORT: There are captions in the beginning reading "seed hopper," and "scooping seed." What a throwback to my former life! He was scooping milled product, not seed! I used to work in a nature store, and sold bird seed for backyard birdfeeding. That was a big part of my life, and I guess I'll always be thinking about bird seed. I think that happened as a result of including the Easter Bluebird Nesting Box pictures. They took my mind back to another time. :)

You can read about the history of the Burwell Morgan Grist Mill by clicking on the Clarke County History website link below:

http://www.clarkehistory.org/themill.htm

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• virginia
• history
• mill
• millwood
• burwell
• morgan
• grist
• wheat
• corn
• flour
• water
• waterwheel
• rube
• goldberg

[4vermont]

What an awesome place. Looks like a great place to visit. Thanks for sharing.

[kalacaw]

Thank you so much for watching! I wanted to do something to honor my Mom's memory, since she loved Virginia so, and our family has ties to the Burwell name (albeit distantly to this particular Burwell). In the end, I learned a great deal about grist mills and milling, and I was fascinated by the teamwork these men displayed. It was a great learning experience for me.

Vermont is your home, I take it? I've never been there, but I know it's beautiful and I'd love to see it someday. :)

[jonmmadison]

thanks for this! I needed it for a science lesson!!!

[kalacaw]

Hi Jon! Do you need more information, because when I was visiting this mill, I bought a book about milling practices that was written in the 19th century. It's got a lot of information, and is a bit interesting because of the writing style for a work meant to be regulatory in nature; the point is, though, that if you want more information that may be in this book, I will be more than happy to research it for you.

I've written more than one college paper, too. Been there; done that. ;-)

[kalacaw]

Oh, I would have answered this right away! I do apologize, but I never got an email notification of your comment. Actually, I'll send you a PM, because your comment is of particular interest to me.

[xXVoirxudvelXx]

This is awesome because I am a Clark, how ever my leg of the family dropped the (e) in 1700's...Deacon George Clarke of Milford CT. His children dropped the (e) I noticed that the structure of the Deacons house and this building have similatities. The Bridge of CT. in mini form. Check it out! And is this relative to the Deacon? Migration of many Clark families to VA, MI. NY....

[kalacaw]

Thanks Aaron! I've got more footage of that area, and it is my intention to go back. It just seems as though something is always getting in the way. :)

[Road82]

I like old stuff.

And old people.

This video rocks. Nice camera work there Kalacaw!

[kalacaw]

Daryl, you're entirely welcome! I am so glad you enjoyed this! I spent a few days there to get all of the footage and pictures, and it was definitely time well spent. :)