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Germantown Historic District
Germantown Historic District
Germantown's town center shifted to support the B&O Metropolitan Branch rail station when the line came through in 1873. After the Bowman Brothers Mill was built in 1888, Germantown experienced a development boom, with new houses and businesses added along the tracks. The small historic district contained a train station, bank, mill site, and homes dating from the 1870s to the 1890s. Until the 1920s, rail service on this line carried as many as eighteen trains a day.
Germantown's town center shifted to support the B&O Metropolitan Branch rail station when the line came through in 1873. After the Bowman Brothers Mill was built in 1888, Germantown experienced a development boom, with new houses and businesses added along the tracks. The small historic district contained a train station, bank, mill site, and homes dating from the 1870s to the 1890s. Until the 1920s, rail service on this line carried as many as eighteen trains a day.
1906 Everything from lengths of cloth to a medium rare steak could be purchased at the general store and post office on the right. Bowman Brothers Mill and other businesses on the left.
2023 Today, the site is located in what is now the Germantown Marc Station parking lot. Google Map Link
1910 Bowman Brothers Flour Mill and Germantown station
2023 The Germantown station (partially blocked by trees on the right) is still in active use today as a stop for Washington DC commuters using MARC train service on the Brunswick line. Google Map Link
Germantown Road at Seneca Creek
Germantown Road at Seneca Creek
This view of Route 118 looking west shows the old one-lane stone bridge over the creek. In the 1930s, many of these old bridges were replaced with concrete when new roads (also paved in concrete) were installed. Today, the rolling hills are covered with trees, and hikers can enjoy the Seneca Creek Ridge Trails, which run directly through the land seen in these photographs.
This view of Route 118 looking west shows the old one-lane stone bridge over the creek. In the 1930s, many of these old bridges were replaced with concrete when new roads (also paved in concrete) were installed. Today, the rolling hills are covered with trees, and hikers can enjoy the Seneca Creek Ridge Trails, which run directly through the land seen in these photographs.
1907
2023 Google Map Link
Black Rock Mill 1905/2023
Black Rock Mill 1905/2023
Black Rock Mill was built by Thomas Hillary and has stood along the banks of Great Seneca Creek as a landmark since its construction in 1815. A large rock across from the mill site is said to be the namesake for the original land grant, and, subsequently, the mill. The two-story stone mill, set into the side of a hill located along Seneca Creek, used three sets of millstones to grind wheat and corn. There was also a saw mill on the site which operated year-round, while the gristmill was mostly used following harvests. It was in working operation for over 100 years until a flood in 1920 damaged it beyond repair.
Black Rock Mill was built by Thomas Hillary and has stood along the banks of Great Seneca Creek as a landmark since its construction in 1815. A large rock across from the mill site is said to be the namesake for the original land grant, and, subsequently, the mill. The two-story stone mill, set into the side of a hill located along Seneca Creek, used three sets of millstones to grind wheat and corn. There was also a saw mill on the site which operated year-round, while the gristmill was mostly used following harvests. It was in working operation for over 100 years until a flood in 1920 damaged it beyond repair.
Black Rock Mill, c. 1905
The ruins of the mill building are maintained along Seneca Ridge Trail today. Google Map Link
Mills were built to perform a practical function, but they also served as social centers. Due to his extensive business in the region, the miller was usually among the best-informed residents in the community. Dropping by the mill was always a good way to get caught up on the latest gossip. Of all the mill operations which once existed in Montgomery County, this Black Rock Miller's House is one of only nine known to still be standing today.
Mills were built to perform a practical function, but they also served as social centers. Due to his extensive business in the region, the miller was usually among the best-informed residents in the community. Dropping by the mill was always a good way to get caught up on the latest gossip. Of all the mill operations which once existed in Montgomery County, this Black Rock Miller's House is one of only nine known to still be standing today.
Miller's House, 1905
Miller's House, 2023 Google Map Link
In the 1970s the mill, as well as all the land running along the creek, was purchased by the state as a part of the environmental protection plan for Seneca Creek. In 1986, the picturesque ruins of the mill were stabilized and interpretive signs were erected for visitors. All four walls and the chimney are extant, though the roof has been lost. Today, it is one of only two mill buildings still standing in Montgomery County, idle but majestic, a reminder of a long ago industry.
In the 1970s the mill, as well as all the land running along the creek, was purchased by the state as a part of the environmental protection plan for Seneca Creek. In 1986, the picturesque ruins of the mill were stabilized and interpretive signs were erected for visitors. All four walls and the chimney are extant, though the roof has been lost. Today, it is one of only two mill buildings still standing in Montgomery County, idle but majestic, a reminder of a long ago industry.
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