The Thomas Shepherd Grist Mill was built circa 1738 by Thomas Shepherd Sr., founder of Shepherdstown. It was the largest milling operation in the area, and its prime location near Packhorse Ford on the banks of the Potomac River influenced the development of the town.
The mill was originally a small two-story stone structure with a wooden wheel, located below what is now the kitchen on the west side of the building. The rest of the building was added during the 19th century, and the upper wooden story was added in the 1890’s to accommodate increased capacity. The impressive 40’ Fitz Steel Overshot Water Wheel replaced the wooden wheel in 1894. It remains one of the largest overshot wheels in the US.
While the mill ceased operations in 1939, remnants of the machinery can be seen in the current living room. The basement still contains many of the gears and rods that kept the giant wheel turning.
The mill didn’t become a dwelling place until 1990, when the owner converted the main floor of the west wing into a rudimentary apartment. The current owners purchased the mill in 2020 and have configured it into a large home with about 3000 sq. ft. of living space, including three bedrooms, and artist studio space. You can see examples of the owner’s artistic work throughout the house. While they’ve added modern updates where necessary, Shepherd’s Mill’s owners are committed to maintaining the historic integrity of the mill.
