Red Mill (Clinton, New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
David McKinney Mill
|
|
The Mill (bottom left corner) as seen from the top of the cliff
|
|
 Location in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 56 Main Street Clinton, New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Area | 5.9 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1763 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001162 |
| Added to NRHP | January 8, 1974 |
The Red Mill is a four-story building located in Clinton, New Jersey. It sits right next to the south branch of the Raritan River. This historic site was built around 1810.
Originally, it was a type of factory called an industrial mill. Over the years, it had many different jobs. It helped process wool, made peach baskets, and was even a textile mill (where cloth was made). Today, the Red Mill is a museum. It is part of the Red Mill Museum Village. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the David McKinney Mill. This means it's an important historical place in the United States.
Contents
What is the Red Mill?
The Red Mill is a special type of building called a grist mill. A grist mill uses water power to turn large grinding stones. These stones then grind grain, like wheat or corn, into flour. This was a very important job in the past, as flour was needed for baking bread and other foods.
Early History of the Mill
Who Built the Red Mill?
The Red Mill was built in 1810 by a man named Ralph Hunt. He built it on land that he received from his father, Daniel Hunt. Daniel was one of the first people to own land in Clinton. He had also built another mill, the Stone Mill, in 1763. The Stone Mill is now known as the Hunterdon Art Museum.
What Was the Mill Used For?
When it first opened, the Red Mill was used to process wool. This means it helped clean and prepare wool to be made into cloth. However, by 1820, the wool business became difficult. Ralph Hunt's business eventually failed. He lost a lot of his land along the Raritan River.
The Red Mill Today
In 1964, a person named James Marsh bought the mill. He decided to turn it into a museum in 1965.
The Red Mill Museum Village
Today, the Red Mill is the main building of the Red Mill Museum Village. You can find it at 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ. The museum covers about 10 acres of land. It includes the mill itself and other old buildings from the 1700s and 1800s. Some of these buildings were moved to the site to be part of the museum. For example, there's an old one-room schoolhouse from the 1860s. There are also sheds where carriages were kept in the 1800s.
Events at the Mill
The Red Mill Museum Village also hosts fun events. Every July, they hold the Black Potatoe Music Festival. Famous bands like The Smithereens and Edwin McCain have performed there.
Images for kids
-
The Red Mill as seen from the top of the cliff
-
Main Street Bridge crossing the South Branch Raritan River by the Red Mill
-
Historical information plaque by the Red Mill Five Donor Trustees
