Beverley Mill
by Greg Reed
Title
Beverley Mill
Artist
Greg Reed
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
c. 1978 Taken with a Mamiya C220 Professional + 80mm f2.8 Mamiya-Sekor.
Beverley Mill aka Chapman's Mill
Beverley Mill Before the Fire Beverley Mill aka Chapman's Mill, a grist mill that was first constructed in 1742, is one of the most important historic properties in Prince William County. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and is classified as a County Registered Historic Site in the County's Comprehensive Plan. The mill is located on the Fauquier-Prince William border along Broad Run, north of Interstate 66 and Route 55.
The grounds contain the archaeological remains of an earlier mill, a family farmhouse, the family graveyard, and several outbuildings. The building is a massive five and a half stories constructed of locally-quarried stone. First built in 1742, but due to a fire in 1858, the mill was rebuilt and the top two stories added. The mill was heavily damaged again by fire in 1998.
The mill furnished food products for five wars, beginning with the French and the Indian Wars. It played a strategic role in the Civil War Battle of Thoroughfare Gap. As late as the 1940s, it was still grinding approximately 100,000 bushels of grain annually and employing six people. Initially at risk when Interstate 66 was constructed; the mill was saved when a coalition of citizen groups and state and federal agencies agreed to reroute the path of the Interstate around it.Beverley Mill After the Fire
On Oct. 22, 1998, Beverley Mill was tragically vandalized and gutted by fire. Soon afterward, the Turn The Mill Around Campaign, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt foundation, obtained ownership of the property and began the steps necessary to stabilize the walls of the mill. The goals of this non-profit organization include preserving the structure of the mill; restoring the wheel and the open mill race; providing public access; developing interpretive programs on the significance of the mill and Thoroughfare Gap; and raising the funds needed to carry out these goals.
Plans call for pedestrian pathways around the mill and along the head race providing views of the millpond, flume, sluice gate, forebay and the 29-foot wheel and tail race. Visitors will be able to enter the mill to gain a greater appreciation of its enormity and the beauty of the stone work. Interpretive signs will explain the milling process and the impact of the industrial site on the evolving economy of the area. The stone mill store will be restored and re-commissioned as an information outpost.
Source: www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/planning/Pages/Beverley-Mi...
Uploaded
December 4th, 2012
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Comments (10)
John Bailey
Congratulations on being featured in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Greg Reed replied:
I appreciate the feature in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!" and the fav John!!
Jane Ford
Great photo! I barely remember it looking this way. It's still a wonderful place to visit. L/fav
Greg Reed replied:
Thanks for the great comment and the L&F! As I mentioned to Kim earlier, unfortunately in the 36 years since this photo was taken, the mill has continued to suffer from neglect! It is fenced in now but needs millions in restoration at this point! At the time most of the milling equipment was still in place - most was since vandalized or stolen! It is sad to see it the once or twice a year I drive by it on my way to Manassas or DC.
Kim Sy Ok
Wonderful and charming mill :)!! v -Kim
Greg Reed replied:
Thank you Kim for the comment and support. Unfortunately in the 34 years since this photo was taken, the mill has continued to suffer from neglect! It is fenced in now but needs millions in restoration at this point! At the time most of the milling equipment was still in place - most was since vandalized or stolen!
Tautvydas Davainis
wonderful capture! I love the lighting and your interesting composition!>Tautvydas:)
Greg Reed replied:
I had taken a youth class there that I was teaching photography to, and took some shots myself!!!!