Chapman's Mill

Historic Subject Talks

Turn The Mill Around Campaign, the 501 (c ) (3 ) non profit organization which has stabilized the walls of Chapman/Beverley Mill and opened the site to the public on weekends, will be holding a series of talks for the public at the Haymarket Masonic Hall at 6713 Jefferson St. in Haymarket on May 10th, July 12th, and August 9th.

The public is invited to be dinner guests of the Masons at 6:30 PM. Guests should email Daniel Bible at daniel.bible@dhs.gov">daniel.bible@dhs.gov for dinner reservations. The talks will begin at 7:30 PM.

On May 10th Ellen PercyMiller, Executive Director of Turn The Mill Around Campaign, will give an overview of the history of the Mill and Thoroughfare Gap from 1732 until 1951.

On July 12th, Bruce Slawter, a Civil War historian, will talk about the history of the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap that took place in and around Chapman's Mill on August 28, 1862. Mr. Slawter will be in a soldier's uniform and will display the items that soldiers commonly carried during the Civil War.

On August 9th Ellen PercyMiller will talk about John Chapman, the last Chapman to own the mill which in 1860 was the largest industry in Prince William County, which in turn was one of the most industrialized counties in Virginia. John Chapman was ruined economically, physically and emotionally by the Civil War and died at the Staunton Asylum for Lunatics in 1866.

Come learn about the known and newly learned history of Chapman/Beverley Mill and Thoroughfare Gap which are only three miles from the village of Haymarket. Discover why the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap was a pivotal battle that determined the South would win the Second Battle of Manassas. If the Northerners had held the Gap, the Civil War would have been over in weeks. Come learn about the fate of John Chapman and how his nephew, Frank Williams, an officer in Mosby's Rangers who captured General Stoughton from his bed in Fairfax, might have caused Chapman's ill treatment by the Northerners. This is a splendid opportunity to benefit from the partnership between the Masons and Chapman/Beverley Mill. Enjoy a complimentary meal and talk and learn about your neighborhood.

Chapman/Beverley Mill is the tall stone structure off I 66 and Rt. 55 as you pass through Thoroughfare Gap headed west into Fauquier Co. from Prince William Co.