The Gristmill and Distillery

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George Washington wasn't only a general and a farmer; he was also a businessman. He began with a gristmill, using the treading barn on his grounds to help separate the wheat. He then took the separated wheat to the mill to be turned into flour. But since George Washington was always interested in learning how to use his land efficiently, he was persuaded to open a distillery as well. Today, we keep his business spirit alive by keeping his gristmill and distillery open and running for both touring and production!

Oliver Evans

Oliver Evans

The man who inspired George Washington's construction of the Gristmill was Oliver Evans. After reading Evans' patent, Washington decided to create his own version of the gristmill based upon Evans' findings.

Evan's Gristmill
James Anderson

James Anderson

Hired as a manager in 1797, James Anderson proposed that Washington should consider distilling whiskey because he had plenty of rye and corn to make it. George Washington agreed and thus, the distillery was born!

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