A New History of Peirce Mill

Peirce Mill: Two Hundred Years in the Nation's Capital is the first comprehensive history of the mill, one of the few remaining symbols of Washington, D.C.'s agrarian past, and a center for learning about the early technology of flour production.

"The history of Peirce Mill covers three centuries, starting with the establishment of Washington as the built-from-scratch capital of a new nation. It continues through the contentious creation of the nation's first federally owned urban park along Rock Creek and culminates in the current efforts to restore the long-neglected mill to operating condition. The story of this cherished local landmark is a reminder that another Washington—the 'hometown' Washington—exits beyond the monuments on the Mall, and has a rich and engaging history all its own." —Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Author Steve Dryden is vice president of the Friends of Peirce Mill and a preservation and environmental activist and writer with a lifelong interest in the history and nature of the Washington, D.C. area.

You may purchase a copy of Peirce Mill: Two Hundred Years in the Nation's Capital by clicking this link to local bookstore Politics & Prose or from Amazon.com. It will also be available at the Peirce Barn, Rock Creek Nature Center, and the Old Stone House in Georgetown.

Walking Tour and Book Reading

Steve will discuss the book at Politics and Prose on Saturday, June 19, 2010, at 1:00 p.m., and if weather permits, lead a walk down the trail on Broad Branch Creek to the mill for a look inside at the restoration. The walk is only recommended for experienced hikers.