The History of Jerusalem Mill Village
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18th Century and before:
The land tract "Jerusalem" was first patented on May 29, 1687 by Nicholas Hemsted and John Walley. While much of its earliest history is as yet unexplored, we know that by 1743 a survey of the the property contained 368 acres of land, two old dwelling houses, an orchard and two 40' tobacco barns.
In September 1769, millwright Isaiah Linton and miller David Lee entered into a partnership to build and operate a grist mill. They purchased the Jerusalem land tract which was advantagiously located on the fall line of the Little Gunpowder River. In August of 1772, the project was completed, and David Lee began milling operations.
By this time there were several other buildings located around the mill. A sawmill had been in operation on site for a number of years. The gunshop, located behind the mill, is believed to have been used by David Lee to produce muskets for the Maryland militia during the early part of the Revolutionary War. This building has also been used as a coopers shop and a dwelling. The blacksmith shop and presumably homes for the Lee family and workers were also built during this period. The burgeoning village likely also contained a number of outbuildings usually associated with the support of families and a mill.
19th Century:
By the early 19th century there were several major additions to the village including the Lee mansion, several tenant dwellings and a large bank barn.
Mid-century had produced the village much as you see it today with all but one of the buildings in place. This era also produced one of the more colorful events in the village when, in 1864, Confederate Major Harry Gilmor raided the general store located at the east end of the village. In the late 1800's the final building, a workshop, was built beside the mill.
20th Century and beyond:
Jerusalem Mill Village continued to thrive through the first half of the 1900's. This time also produced changes in the ownership of the properties with the Mill having been sold out of the Lee family, dwellings becoming private residences and the general store having a succession of owners.
After the Great Depression the village as a unit started into a slow albiet steady decline. By 1961 the mill had ceased operation and the general store had been divided into apartments.Soon after the mill closed the State of Maryland purchased the property as part of the Gunpowder Falls State Park. The mill building, the gunshop and blacksmith shop all fell into severe disrepair.
In 1985 a group of local residents formed the Friends of Jerusalem Mill (FOJM). A succession of purchases by the State and preservation efforts by FOJM has resulted in Jerusalem Mill Village returning as a largely intact historic area.
Though the village is now again intact and many of the buildings preserved there is much work to be done. Continuing preservation, restoration and maintainance will take many years and millions of dollars. Please consider supporting this worthy cause. Learn how you can help here.
