In 1778 the Mill was built on the Downey Branch stream at the Big Slackwater area of the Potomac river (the 88.1 mile marker of the C & O Canal). It produced flour, feed and plaster. In 1922 it was closed due to floods. Later, in the 1920's the original wooden overshot wheel was replaced by a steel wheel and the waterpower was utilized to generate electricity. The Mill has been known under various names; Shank's Mill, Charles Mill, Avis Mill, Shafer's Old Flouring Mills, Galloway's Mill and Cedar Grove Mill. |