Poplar Grove Mill and House

The two-story wooden tide mill stands on a narrow mole separating a lagoon from the bay, with a five-sectioned house across the water.

The original mill, which ground corn for General Washington's troops, was destroyed during the Civil War and rebuilt in the following years.

The Federal period central section of the house displays architectural elements by local builder Richard Billups, including an Ionic order portico.

The mill operated by capturing tidal water during high tide and releasing it through the waterwheel during low tide, processing 32 bushels daily.

The site contains Virginia's last remaining tide mill, which operated until 1912 using the East River's two-foot tidal changes every twelve hours.

Location: Mathews County

GPS coordinates: 37.39860,-76.33190

Latest update: September 23, 2025 14:25