George Washington's Gristmill
18th‑century plantation gristmill and distillery, United States
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George Washington's Gristmill
38.7128° N, -77.1308° E
About
George Washington's Gristmill was part of the original Mount Vernon plantation, constructed during the lifetime of the United States' first president. The original structure was destroyed about 1850. The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association have reconstructed the gristmill and the adjacent distillery. The reconstructed buildings are located at their original site three miles (4.8 km) west of the Mount Vernon mansion near Woodlawn Plantation in the Mont Vernon area of Fairfax County. Because the reconstructed buildings embody the distinctive characteristics of late eighteenth century methods of production and are of importance to the history of Virginia, the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places despite the fact that the buildings are not original.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Washington inherits Mount Vernon
1754
Gristmill constructed
1771
Mill automation
1791
Distillery completed
1797
Washington dies; distillery production noted
1799
Site rented and last ad
1808
Distillery burned
1814
Property sold by family
1848
Original mill razed
c. 1850
State purchases site
1932
Gristmill and miller's house reconstructed
1933
State resumes care
1962
Major renovation of main structures
1997-2002
Property conveyed to Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
1997
Distillery archaeology begins
1999
National Register listing
2003
Distillery reconstruction completed and opened
2007
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Animal Husbandry Features
Water Management Features
Industrial and Craft Structures
Agricultural and Land Use Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Food Production and Processing Features
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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