Damascus Mill

History of Damascus Mill by Damascus Mill Restaurant

Over two centuries ago, Henry Mock and his family were following the trail, previously blazed by Daniel Boone, on their way to Kentucky. The beauty of the surrounding land, where the Laurel and Beaverdam Creeks converge, so impressed them, that they decided to stay, buy the land, build a home, and construct a grist mill, becoming the community first know as Mocks Mill.

In 1886, General John D. Imboden, purchased much of the land formerly owned by the Mock family and is credited for founding the town we now know as Damascus. General Imboden had practiced law prior to the Civil War and was praised by General Robert E. Lee for his gallant service as one of his chief officers in the War Between the States. The area General Imboden had purchased had become a booming lumber site in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For a short period, Washington County, Virginia was known as one of the largest lumber producers in the country at that time. Soon following, the United States Forest Service acquired much of the land to conserve and restore the forests resources.

Today, the spirit of the trailblazers who founded Damascus continues in the community and the annual "Trail Day" celebration, wich is known as the world's largest backpacking event, draws tens of thousands of people each year to our naturally beautiful and diverse part of the world. This annual event takes place the week after Mother's Day weekend.

Damascus Old Mill

215 W Imoden Street

Damascus, Virginia 24236

276-475-3745