Gilbert Stuart Birthplace, Colonial house and museum in Saunderstown, United States
The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace is a colonial house built in 1751 with working mills still operating on the grounds. The property spans about 23 acres and includes walking trails, a historic herb garden, and a fish ladder that runs along the millpond.
The house was built in 1751 and contained one of America's first water-powered snuff mills in its basement. The 1757 gristmill that followed used water from Pausacaco Pond to power its operations.
The house shows how a prosperous colonial family lived in the 1700s, with period furnishings and everyday objects on display. Visitors can see how family life and work were closely linked in this era.
The site is open for guided and self-guided tours from May through mid-October, allowing visitors to explore the house interior and working mills. The walking trails are well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it suitable for a few hours of visiting.
The 1757 gristmill was restored in 2007 and its waterwheel is directly connected to working gears still powered by water from Pausacaco Pond. Visitors can watch the machinery in action and see how mills operated centuries ago.
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