El Molino Viejo, Historic gristmill in San Marino, United States
El Molino Viejo is a historic gristmill in San Marino constructed with thick walls of volcanic tuff and sun-dried adobe bricks covered in seashell mortar. The sturdy structure demonstrates the early construction techniques of California's mission era.
The mill was established in 1816 by Father José María de Zalvidea from Mission San Gabriel Arcángel and was Southern California's first water-powered grain facility. The structure marked a turning point in the region's early industrial development.
The site functions as a museum and art gallery where rotating exhibitions showcase the work of local and regional artists. Visitors can walk through the spaces while experiencing the historic structure firsthand.
The building sits on Old Mill Road and provides on-site parking for visitors. Those interested in early California architecture should expect uneven ground surfaces around the property when walking the pathways.
The building used a unique horizontal impulse water wheel system that powered grinding stones on the upper level. Water was channeled from multiple canyons to make this early technology function.
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