Old Town Mill open house

The Old Town Mill

Originally built in 1650 by John Winthrop, Jr., the founder
of New London, the Old Town Mill is one of the oldest industrial sites in
Connecticut. The water wheel was fed by a 200-foot long “flume,” which diverted
water from the nearby Mill Brook. The weight of the water turned the water
wheel, which turned the gears inside, and finally turned the two gigantic sets
of grinding stones. These stones ground corn, wheat, and other grains for the
early colonists. On September 6, 1781, the traitor General Benedict Arnold burned
the mill down during his raid on New London. It was rebuilt soon after, and
today, the mill build still shows the ingenuity and hand-hewn beam construction
of the early era. 

The grounds of the Old Town Mill are open year round until
sunset will free open house tours planned for Saturday, August 3 and Saturday,
August 17 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The Grinding Room and Alliance office are
open by special appointment. Admission is free, and more information is
available by calling 860.443.6375.