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Charles Mill
Benjamin F. Charles built a grist and plaster mill around the turn of the 19th century that was powered by the Big Spring Run that flowed into the Potomac River. A water wheel that was 20 feet in diameter powered the mill with water from the Run and, when the canal opened, wheels were added to use the canal’s current for energy and the transportation of goods to major markets such as Georgetown.
The picture was taken by John P. Cowan during his trip with his wife down the canal around 1916. He labeled their adventure “Sometub’s Cruise” after the little boat they used to zip up and down the waterway.
ST-8
Mile 108.13
There is another mill, at one time named the Charles Mill. It was at Mile 88, the area now known as McMahons Mill. Over time that area has been called Charles Mill, Grove Mill, Shaffer's Old Flouring Mills and Avis Mill.
The PDF is the account of the Sometub's adventure.