Caledonia Mill, Watermill and gristmill in Caledonia, Ontario, Canada.
Caledonia Mill is a watermill and gristmill positioned along the Grand River, featuring cedar shingles on its roof and wooden siding on the exterior walls. Inside, the building contains original grinding equipment and demonstrates the basic layout needed to harness water power for milling wheat and grain into flour.
The mill was built in 1857 by James Little and began processing wheat and grain using heavy stone grinding equipment designed for that purpose. The building passed through several owners over its lifetime before being acquired by Haldimand County in 1980.
The structure reflects how water-powered mills were central to early settlement patterns in the region, serving as gathering points where farmers brought their grain. The building itself demonstrates the craftsmanship and practical know-how of mid-1800s construction.
The mill is located at 149 Forfar Street West and can be explored during standard visiting hours when the site is open to the public. The building sits at river level, so wear appropriate footwear if ground conditions are wet or muddy.
Few realize that the grinding stones inside still bear the hand-chiseled grooves carved by workers more than 160 years ago. These grooves are essential to the grinding process and remain visible as direct evidence of the craftsmanship invested in the mill's equipment.
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