On this site, Benjamin Cargill operated a grist mill originally built in 1730, adding a distillery and other shops in 1760. The Pomfret Manufacturing Company later built the Pomfret Cotton Mills to produce textile products in 1807; it is the oldest such site in the nation. The 4-story squared stone mill west of the detached hip-roofed office building is the oldest standing factory building (c. 1823) in the valley. A stone mill was added in the mid-1840's with 3-stories; the original gable roof has been flattened and the cupola removed. In 1850, these mills contained 4,260 spindles and 105 looms worked by 60 males and 45 females. A 3-story brick mill was added in 1856 and the office building and 3-story mansard-roofed brick mill in 1869.

Photo: Anonymous

Mechanicsville, Connecticut · USA