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Aldie Mill turns 200
On Oct. 17, Aldie Mill will celebrate its 200th birthday by going back to work.
The celebration, held in conjunction with the Aldie Harvest Festival, will include grain grinding demonstrations, vendors, refreshments and an unveiling of its revamped visitors center.
“[The mill] is a really important part of Loudoun history,” supervisor Teresa Martinez said. “It's important because of its connection to Aldie's agricultural past. The immediate area around it is rather untouched.”
The mill was built in 1809 for Congressman Charles Mercer, who leased it out to millers. In 1835, Mercer sold it to Capt. John Moore. Moore and his descendants owned and operated it until 1971, when it was closed for 10 years.
In 1981, the mill was donated to the Virginia Outdoors Association, which refurbished it over the next 20 years.
In 2002, the mill began grinding grain again for demonstrations. And in 2006, ownership of the mill was transferred to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, which owns and operates the site today.
The mill was also the site of some Civil War action, including a small skirmish in March of 1863, and a large cavalry battle in June of 1863.
The mill is one of the largest of its kind, with a double overshot water wheel. For more information regarding the mill or the celebration, call 703-327-9777.
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