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Designated as one of Maryland's first industrial districts (circa 1900), and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Great Mills was a thriving community centered around Cecil's Mill.
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Cecil's Old Mill is located in the Cecil Historic District of St. Mary's County, Maryland. A textile factory, called the Clifton Factory, was built in 1810 on the current Cecil's Old Mill site by William Hebb, Peter Gough, and Willliam Sommerville. The attempted cotton crop failed due to poor soil, and the textile machinery was later moved to Savage, Maryland. The saw and grist mill continued operation.
In 1900, John T. Cecil razed the old factory and built a three-story roller mill. He retained the overshot water wheel with the main drive and gearing. When H. robb Cecil took over the mill operation in 1927, he moved the diesel engine that had generated electricity for Leonardtown to the Mill to provide an alternative power source. The Cecil family continued to operate the grist mill until 1940, until lack of trade forced its closing; and the saw mill closed in 1959.
The Cecil family donated the mill to the St. Mary's County Historical Society in 1975 in the hopes that it would be restored and eventually house a museum. Since that time it has been continued in operation for the sale of locally produced art and crafts. Currently the property has been transferred to the Cecil Historic District, Inc. allowing the Cecil family to operate and restore the Mill.
Entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the Cecil Mill historic district recognizes the industrial development of St. Mary's County.
Operating Hours: Cecil's Old Mill arts and crafts store is open Mid-March - Oct. 31st Thursday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sundays 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Open DAILY Nov. 1st - Dec. 23rd Sundays 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Open Dec. 24th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
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Potomac Heritage Partnership |
| 1623 28th St., NW |
Washington, DC 20007 |
| Phone: 202.333.4478 |
Fax: 202.333.6733 |
| info@potomacheritage.org |
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