Researching CW era maps. What is "M.M."?

[DCMatt]

I've been researching Loudoun County (northern Virginia) looking for some good spots to hunt. Prior to the Civil War, Loudoun county had lots and lots of mills that supported a robust agricultural economy making it one of the most prosperous counties in the state.

I see some mills listed as S.M. - presume Saw Mill - and G.M. - presume Grist Mill. But I found the foundation of a mill and it's marked M.M. on 2 CW maps. There are several other mill locations on the maps marked M.M. I can't think what M.M. would mean.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

DCMatt

[kenb]

Matt, check out this site. Go to the old mill section, theres a bunch in virginia.

http://www.ohiobarns.com/index.html

kenb

[Gypsy Heart]

I think it stood for Merchant Mill.....

Here is a good site for finding out what was milled where....
http://research.history.org/DigitalL...s,%20described

[diggerfororo]

could be sorgum "molasses" not all mills milled grain "grist mills" some milled or presses to make sugar or molasses.

Les

[DCMatt]

I think it stood for Merchant Mill.....

Here is a good site for finding out what was milled where....
http://research.history.org/DigitalL...s,%20described

I think you're right. Wheat was an established cash crop in the county prior to the Civil War. As best I can tell, a merchant mill was a grist mill on a much larger and finer scale. Wheat was purchased from local farmers and ground into fine flour, then packed in barrels for shipping.

Thanks Gypsy!

DCMatt