River Rat Recorder

Water-Powered Mills

The story of industry in Philadelphia begins with the water-powered mill. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, these were scattered along most of the tidal Delaware’s tributaries, turning out lumber, flour, textiles, and paper. They were the first factories, which was why Philadelphia was always a port. In time, these mills gave way to much larger steam-powered factories, but a number of the buildings remain. They are solidly built structures of local stone and could last, if the roofs and pointing hold up. As water tables dropped, and production methods changed, Philadelphia continued as an industrial center and a port because coal and steel were nearby. The mills faded away, either repurposed or abandoned, but the survivors have much to teach us. On the positive side, they touch on geology, ingenuity, and applied physics. On the negative side, they speak of environmental degradation in search of the dollar. They illustrate the basis of our society for good or ill.