Historical Marker Society of America

In 1816 John James Audubon and his wife's brother, Thomas Bakewell, built a steam mill here. The 45' x 65' structure cost $15,000; Audubon supplied over half the money. In operation 1817-19, it failed due to defective machinery and scanty wheat crops. Audubon then devoted himself to painting and found success. Mill was used later as tobacco warehouse; burned in 1913.