1850 advertisement, mill for sale

Advertisement of the auction in which John Marchant secured full control of the Charlottesville Factory affords one the rare opportunity of a glimpse at the pre-war mill. Though incomplete and designed to sell the property at the best price, this advertisement merits attention. The machinery included the items owned in 1850 plus a mule-jack. On the thirteen acres of land there were "buildings consist [ing] of the Cotton and Wool Factor--a Saw, Grist and Plaster Mil [sic] Store, House, dwelling and other houses, all in good repair." One can see here the early development of a typical semi-manorial mill village. Like most mills of the period the Charlottesville Factory was forced by its use of water power to locate its operations some distance from an established settlement. Apparently, like many other factories, the company provided houses nearby for its workers and operated a general store to meet most of the needs of the community.--Harry Poindexter