The first settler in Columbia County erected a mill on this site in 1785 or 1786. It burned to the ground in 1849 while owned and operated by George Masters. George Masters and John Betz rebuilt it in 1852, and the business prospered as it passed through several families and operators. Milling ended in 1966, and the site was sold to Paul K. Girton. A variety of businesses operated here until 1996, when the mill was again nearly destroyed by fire. Its foundation has been preserved so interested parties can study the water works and underpinnings of the place that gave this community its name.