10/11/2026
Rediscovering Perryopolis Part 2: George Washington’s Grist Mill… Yes, THAT George Washington!
Long before Perryopolis was Perryopolis, George Washington owned more than 1,600 acres here. He recognized the value of the land and its water resources, and construction of his grist mill began in 1774. The mill was completed in 1776, while Washington was leading the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
Think about that for a second.
While the United States was being born, a mill connected to the man who would become its first president was beginning operation right here in southwestern Pennsylvania.
The mill became an important part of the surrounding community, grinding grain for generations and operating into the early 20th century.
The structure standing here today is a reconstruction rather than Washington’s original building, but it stands on the historic mill site and incorporates many stones from the original foundation. That means you are still standing in the place where this story actually happened.
Even more fascinating, the mill wasn’t standing alone. This area developed into a small preindustrial complex that included the distillery I showed you in Part 1 and other businesses that helped a community function long before modern industry.
Places like this are exactly why I started this series.
There is extraordinary history hiding in small towns all over western Pennsylvania, and Perryopolis has far more of it than I ever realized.
How did I not know this was here?
