History

Peirce Mill was built by Isaac Peirce, a millwright and landowner, in 1829. He used the power of Rock Creek to grind corn, wheat, and rye for his plantation and the local community. The mill was part of a larger estate with a sawmill, an orchard, and a tree nursery. Peirce’s descendants continued to operate the mill until 1897 when a broken shaft stopped the machinery.

In 1890, Congress incorporated Peirce Mill and 350 acres of surrounding land into Rock Creek Park, the first urban national park in the U.S. The park managers improved the site with roads, bridges, and a new dam. In the 1920s, the mill was converted into a tea room with electric lights. In 1933, the National Park Service took over the park and restored the mill to its original appearance by 1936.

Today, Peirce Mill is a National Register of Historic Places site that offers educational programs and demonstrations of milling techniques. The mill is open seasonally from April to October on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

What can you find there?

Peirce Mill is more than just a building. It is a living museum that showcases the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its creators and the importance of preserving history for future generations. Here are some of the things you can find at Peirce Mill:

• The mill itself consists of three floors and a basement. You can see the original wooden gears, shafts, belts, and millstones used to grind grain into flour. You can also learn how the water wheel and turbine powered the machinery and how the miller controlled the flow of water and grain.
• The miller’s house, which is adjacent to the mill. It was built in 1900 as a residence for the miller’s family. It now serves as a visitor center and bookstore. You can find maps, brochures, books, and souvenirs related to Peirce Mill and Rock Creek Park.
• The barn, which is behind the mill. It was built in 1905 as a storage place for grain and tools. It now houses exhibits on the history of milling and agriculture in the area. You can also see some of the original equipment used by the Peirces, such as wagons, plows, and harrows.
• The grounds include a picnic area, a hiking trail, and a stream. You can enjoy the scenic views of Rock Creek Park and its wildlife. You can also explore the nearby attractions, such as the Old Stone House, Dumbarton Oaks, and Georgetown.

A Marvel of History

Peirce Mill is not only a historic site but also an engineering marvel. It demonstrates how people in the 19th century used natural resources and simple machines to produce food and goods. It also shows how people adapted to changing times and technologies by modifying and improving their methods.

Peirce Mill is worth keeping for history because it tells us about the lives and values of our ancestors. It reveals how they worked hard to make a living from the land, how they contributed to their community and economy, and how they cared for their environment. It also inspires us to appreciate our heritage and culture and to learn from their wisdom and experience.

Tips for visitors

If you are planning to visit Peirce Mill, here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable:

• Check the weather forecast before you go. Peirce Mill is open, rain or shine, but some activities may be canceled or postponed due to inclement weather.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Peirce Mill is located in a natural setting with uneven terrain and stairs. You may also get dusty or wet from the mill or creek.
• Bring water and snacks. There are no food or drink vendors at Peirce Mill or nearby. You can bring your picnic or buy something from nearby restaurants or shops.
• Follow the rules. Peirce Mill is a historic site that needs to be protected and respected. Please do not touch or climb on any of the machinery or exhibits. Please do not feed or disturb any of the animals or plants. Please dispose of your trash properly and recycle it when possible.
• Have fun and learn. Peirce Mill is a place to enjoy and explore. You can ask questions, take pictures, and participate in activities. You can also learn more about Peirce Mill and Rock Creek Park by visiting their websites or following them on social media.

A Piece of Ingenuity, Preserved for History

Peirce Mill is a historic gristmill that offers a unique opportunity to learn and practice mental health in Washington D.C. It is where you can experience the past and present, nature and culture, and science and art. It is a place to relax and reflect, have fun and learn, and connect with yourself and others. Peirce Mill is a place worth visiting for Americans who love history and nature.

If you want to learn more about Peirce Mill, you can visit these websites:

• Peirce Mill – U.S. National Park Service
• Peirce Mill – Rock Creek Park Washington D.C.
• Peirce Mill – Wikipedia

A Cultural Trip Through Washington D.C.:  From the George Washington Memorial to Avesta Ketamine

George Washington Mem Pkwy

1. Head south on George Washington Mem Pkwy toward Marina Dr (1.0 mi)
2. Sharp left to stay on George Washington Mem Pkwy (3.0 mi)
3. Use the right lane to merge onto I-395 N via the ramp to Washington D.C. Entering the District of Columbia (0.6 mi)
4. Use the right lane to stay on I-395 N and follow signs for Capitol Hill/Nationals Pk/Verizon Ctr (0.4 mi)
5. Use the right lane to take the 12th St exit toward L’Enfant Prom (0.2 mi)
6. Keep left to continue on 12th St Expy (0.6 mi)
7. Turn right onto Constitution Ave. NW. Destination will be on the right (0.1 mi)

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20560, United States

1. Head west on Constitution Ave. NW toward 12th St NW (0.3 mi)
2. Turn right onto 14th St NW (0.6 mi)
3. Turn left onto I St NW (0.2 mi)
4. Turn left onto 16th St NW/Black Lives Matter Plz NW (407 ft)

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20500, United States

1. Head north on 16th St NW/Black Lives Matter Plz NW toward I St NW (407 ft)
2. Turn left onto I St NW (0.4 mi)
3. Turn left onto 19th St NW (0.6 mi)
4. Turn right onto Constitution Ave. NW (0.2 mi)
5. Use the left two lanes to turn left onto Henry Bacon Dr NW (0.2 mi)
6. Henry Bacon Dr. NW turns slightly right and becomes Lincoln Memorial Cir NW (108 ft)

Lincoln Memorial

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington D.C. 20002, United States

1. Head west on Lincoln Memorial Cir NW toward 23rd St NW (318 ft)
2. Slight right onto Pkwy Dr. NW. May be closed at certain times or days (0.3 mi)
3. Turn left onto Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW. Parts of this road are closed Mon–Fri 6:45 – 9:30 AM (2.5 mi)
4. Continue onto Beach Dr. NW/Rock Creek Pkwy NW. Closed Mon–Fri 6:45 – 9:30 AM (249 ft)
5. Keep right to continue on Beach Dr NW. Parts of this road are closed Mon–Fri 6:45 – 9:30 AM (1.9 mi)
6. Turn left onto Tilden St NW. Turn may not be allowed at certain times or days. Destination will be on the right (459 ft)

Peirce Mill

2401 Tilden St NW, Washington D.C. 20008, United States

1. Head southeast on Tilden St NW (459 ft)
2. Turn right onto Beach Dr NW (0.5 mi)
3. Turn right onto Porter St NW (364 ft)

Rock Creek Park

Washington D.C. United States

1. Head west on Porter St NW toward Williamsburg Ln NW (0.6 mi)
2. Turn right onto Connecticut Ave NW (2.3 mi)
3. Enter the traffic circle. Entering Maryland (236 ft)
4. Exit the traffic circle onto Connecticut Ave (0.6 mi)
5. Turn left onto a restricted usage road (112 ft)
6. Turn left. The destination will be on the right (131 ft)

Chevy Chase Club

6100 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, United States

1. Continue to Connecticut Ave (1 min, 0.1 mi)
   1. Head south toward Connecticut Ave (0.1 mi)
   2. Turn left toward Connecticut Ave (102 ft)
2. Follow Connecticut Ave to Newlands St (27 sec, 0.1 mi)
   1. Turn right onto Connecticut Ave (187 ft)
   2. Continue straight to stay on Connecticut Ave (469 ft)
3. Turn left onto Newlands St (51 sec, 0.1 mi)
4. Slight right onto Connecticut Ave (3 min, 1.1 mi)
5. Drive to your destination (2 min, 0.1 mi)
   1. Turn left (295 ft)
   2. Turn left. Your destiny will be on the right (407 ft)

Columbia Country Club

7900 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, United States

1. Head east toward Connecticut Ave (53 sec, 0.1 mi)
2. Follow Connecticut Ave to S St NW in Washington D.C. (21 min, 5.6 mi)
   1. Turn right onto Connecticut Ave (1.1 mi)
   2. Continue straight to stay on Connecticut Ave (0.4 mi)
   3. Enter the traffic circle. Entering District of Columbia (351 ft)
   4. Exit the traffic circle onto Connecticut Ave NW. Pass by Wells Fargo Bank (on the left) (4.1 mi)
3. Turn left onto S St NW (3 min, 0.5 mi)
4. Turn right onto 16th St NW (2 min, 0.3 mi)
5. Turn right. Destination will be on the right (5 sec, 69 ft)

Avesta Ketamine and Wellness

1400 16th St NW Suite 101, Washington D.C. 20036, United States