Chapman's Mill

CHAPMAN'S/BEVERLEY MILL

Virginia's Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) determined that Turn The Mill Around Campaign will receive $300,000 in TEA-21 federal grant monies for construction of site improvements on the eastern side of the Chapman's/Beverley Mill property. This work will include pedestrian walkways, public facilities, parking area, lighting, fencing and interpretive signage. The money will be available in October 2006. Turn The Mill Around Campaign must contribute a twenty per cent match of the $300,000.

Upon completion of this site development Chapman's/Beverley Mill intends to open the eastern half of the property to the public. This would permit visitors to walk through the ruins of the mill and to view exhibits in the visitor's center, formerly the mill store. At a later date, money will be raised to provide an interpretive trail along the head race and mill pond, and a picnic area on the western side of the property.

At this time the mill is encased with 9 tiers of scaffolding so that CINTEC can complete the stabilization of the north, east and west walls. CINTEC, an English firm, developed the internal anchor system used to stabilize stone walls. CINTEC completed stabilizing the south wall of the mill in 2004.

The Chapman's/Beverley Mill is seven stories high on its western side making it the tallest stone building in the U.S. The mill and the nearby quarry from which the rock was quarried for the construction of Chapman's Mill, is the site of the Civil War Battle of Thoroughfare Gap. Turn The Mill Around Campaign will be interpreting the Chapman's/Beverley Mill and the history of Thoroughfare Gap.

This is the second time Turn The Mill Around Campaign has received TEA-21 monies. In 2000, a $300,000 TEA-21 grant was given to stabilize the southern wall of the mill.

Ellen PercyMiller
Executive Director
Turn The Mill Around Campaign