Gristmill and Canal Operations
A once-thriving area of activity at Monticello
After a flood destroyed a mill constructed by his father, Jefferson had his enslaved workforce begin an ambitious plan of rebuilding both the mill and constructing a canal. Completed in 1803 after almost thirty years of intermittent work and a cost of about $20,000, the canal ran alongside the Rivanna for about three quarters of a mile. At the end of the course, Jefferson had two flour mills built. One of the flour mills was for Jefferson's own use. The second, built at a cost of $10,000, was leased out for commercial use.
-Originally published in the online Monticello Explorer, 2005
