Historic Greenbank Mill in Wilmington, DE

A charming piece of history is the Historic Greenbank Mill in Wilmington, DE. It dates back to at least to the 1760s and it is thought to be the site of an old Swedish Mill before the present mill was built.  The Swedish mill is believed to date back to 1677. The Mill was devastated by fire set by arsonists in 1969 and then rebuilt. A group known as The Greenbank Mill Associates worked extremely hard at getting the mill restored. It was again ravaged in 1999, this time by Hurricane Floyd. The waterwheel had to be replaced amongst many other major repairs. It was again flooded in Sept. of 2003 in a storm that caught the New Castle County area by surprise. This time there was not nearly the damage that was done by Floyd. There were many volunteers that helped in the cleanups and repairs to this area treasure. 

The Historic Greenbank Mill in Wilmington, DE operated for nearly three centuries. It produced flour, textiles and eventually became a woodworking mill producing anything from chairs to ladders. Other than fire and floods, the mill went through many trying times. After the woodworking mill went out of business it was sold at Sheriff Sale and eventually turned into a gristmill and feed business in 1925. Below right is a recent photo of the water wheel which was replaced after the devastation by Hurricane Floyd. There is so much history here and across the Delaware Valley that you'll never run out of things to see!
Tours of the mill are available on the weekends. You can see how the restoration was done, experience the textile mill and learn more about the Philips house and the farm behind the mill.

The Historic Greenbank Mill in Wilmington, DE has an interesting neighbor known as the Wilmington & Western Railroad which is directly across the road. Back in the day, the Wilmington & Western Railroad traveled from Landenberg, PA and through Hockessin, DE hauling goods from the mills along the Red Clay Creek and out to the Port of Wilmington. There's plenty to see and learn about there as well and it's right across the street!

The historic Greenbank Mill in Wilmington, DE is a treat for the whole family and so is the Wilmington & Western Railroad!
Lots to see and do in New Castle County, Delaware and also nearby Pennsylvania! If you're thinking of a move to the area check out some local real estate!