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Then…
One of the main reasons the Pilgrims decided to locate in Plymouth is the waterway that is referred to today as Town Brook. Town Brook is a small river that runs through the center of Plymouth for a mile and a half, and empties into the harbor next to Plymouth Rock.
The Pilgrims found this river important for three reasons. The first is that over the rivers mile and a half run it drops 80 feet in elevation allowing for ample water power. The second is that the river and the pond that feeds it are spring fed so that, even in times of drought, the river never runs out of water. The third is that the river supplied the Pilgrims with their fertilizer.
Every spring, fish called herring migrated from the ocean up to the pond to spawn. The Pilgrims would take the fish from the river and place them in the sandy ground to fertilize for the planting of the corn.
John Jenney and the other leaders in the Plantation felt the need for a mill to grind corn for the benefit of the growing community. John Jenney built the mill in 1636.
The Jenney Mill changed the quality of life for the Pilgrims. By grinding corn with water power, it was easier to feed the increasing population. The building of the mill was also instrumental in the establishment of the free market system. Eventually there were over 14 mills built on this river contributing to the beginning of industry in the United States.
And now…
Today on this river you will find the recreation of the Jenney Grist Mill built on the location of the original mill. The mill is operational and runs the same as it did when it was originally built in 1636.
To this day, over a six-week period from mid-April to mid-May, thousands of herring go up the fish ladder to spawn. Town Brook and the millpond are virtually a wildlife refuge.
Along with the herring, you will find wild ducks, geese, swans, turtles, trout, bass and other wildlife, along with vegetation that was instrumental to the survival of the Pilgrims.
Organically-grown corn is still ground into corn meal at the mill and is available for purchase at the gift shop or through the Web site. The Jenney Grist Mill, a 17th-century living history museum, brings history to life and creates a wonderful learning experience for both children and adults.
Courtesy of Jenney Grist Mill
Then…
One of the main reasons the Pilgrims decided to locate in Plymouth is the waterway that is referred to today as Town Brook. Town Brook is a small river that runs through the center of Plymouth for a mile and a half, and empties into the harbor next to Plymouth Rock.
The Pilgrims found this river important for three reasons. The first is that over the rivers mile and a half run it drops 80 feet in elevation allowing for ample water power. The second is that the river and the pond that feeds it are spring fed so that, even in times of drought, the river never runs out of water. The third is that the river supplied the Pilgrims with their fertilizer.
Every spring, fish called herring migrated from the ocean up to the pond to spawn. The Pilgrims would take the fish from the river and place them in the sandy ground to fertilize for the planting of the corn.
John Jenney and the other leaders in the Plantation felt the need for a mill to grind corn for the benefit of the growing community. John Jenney built the mill in 1636.
The Jenney Mill changed the quality of life for the Pilgrims. By grinding corn with water power, it was easier to feed the increasing population. The building of the mill was also instrumental in the establishment of the free market system. Eventually there were over 14 mills built on this river contributing to the beginning of industry in the United States.
And now…
Today on this river you will find the recreation of the Jenney Grist Mill built on the location of the original mill. The mill is operational and runs the same as it did when it was originally built in 1636.
To this day, over a six-week period from mid-April to mid-May, thousands of herring go up the fish ladder to spawn. Town Brook and the millpond are virtually a wildlife refuge.
Along with the herring, you will find wild ducks, geese, swans, turtles, trout, bass and other wildlife, along with vegetation that was instrumental to the survival of the Pilgrims.
Organically-grown corn is still ground into corn meal at the mill and is available for purchase at the gift shop or through the Web site. The Jenney Grist Mill, a 17th-century living history museum, brings history to life and creates a wonderful learning experience for both children and adults.
Courtesy of Jenney Grist Mill
