The Taylor Mill State Historic Site is located in the Ballard State Forest in Derry, New Hampshire.
You cannot miss the mill as it is right off Island Pond Road in Derry. About 100 yards from the mill there is a small parking area with a port-a-potty and a short trail leading to the mill.
Good fishing in the small pond on the way to the mill.
A short five minute walk brings you to the pond and mill.
Robert Taylor for whom the mill is named bought the property in 1799 and started operation of the “up and down” sawmill in 1805.
There are demonstrations at the site every other Saturday during the summer. A modern mill is brought in to provide a comparison of the technology advancement from 1805 to today.
The 1805 era mill is fascinating to see in operation. The sluice gates are opened to the pond, the waterwheel starts to turn and the saw blade starts to cut.
The interpretive volunteer was wonderful with Alex explaining the differences between modern and colonial saw mills and reviewing the history of the site.
