Old Mill, Sleepy Hollow, New York

Today’s Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow villages are descendants of Philipsburg Manor, a colonial-era milling, farming, and trading center. In 1653 Frederick Philipse arrived at the Dutch colony of New Netherland, working as a carpenter for the Dutch West India Company.

And through his smart business skills, astute sense of politics, and two prosperous marriages, he came to control 52,000 acres of what is now known as Westchester County.

In the 1670s, Philipse acquired the property to construct a dam across the water of the Pocantico River, thus forming a mill pond to provide water power for grain grinding in this area.

Over the years, the flour business provided a considerable income for the Philipse family. During the American Revolutionary era, however, the Philipse descendants moved to England, so the property changed ownership.

Today, there are events and programs at this historic American mill that show how African, Dutch, and Native American cultures became intertwined at this colonial outpost.

Be sure to let us know what you thought about these historic American mills. And in the meantime, Must See Places has much more to offer! We also recommend reading: 8 Surviving Historic Covered Bridges in the US Begging to Be on Your Bucket List