Whittle's Mill is one of the most beautiful small river sites in Southern Virginia. The old mill on the Meherrin River was constructed well before the American Revolution, when an enterprising young colonist built the first dam, water wheel and grist mill on the river in the mid-1700's.



Here is an expedition through history and the Meherrin Forest to capture the real story of Whittle's Mill, the Meherrin River and a remarkable family that called it home for nearly a century. Beginning with a search for the lost graves of three distinguished Virginians, a compelling story of America emerges through the lives of the Davies and Whittle family of Mecklenburg -- the "real Gone with the Wind family of Virginia." Their lives were swept up in the most extraordinary episodes in the American experience, from the bitter winter with George Washington at Valley Forge to Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg



The remnants of an ancient mountain range, the prehistoric people of the river, the American Revolution, the Irish Rebellion, the Mexican-American War, the War of 1812 and the darkest days of the Civil War all converge at the old mill on the Meherrin River.



Written by a great teller of tales, the story of Whittle's Mill is a fascinating journey through history, an eloquent argument for remembering our past and a principled stand for preserving one of the best-kept secrets in Virginia.



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About the Author



Max B. Crowder is one of Southside Virginia's favorite sons. He is a distinguished historian known for weaving our regional lore into the story of America. He spends much of his time telling tales of our history as Curator of the Tobacco Farm Life Museum of Virginia. The father of three grown children, he and his wife Mary Edith live in South Hill at the headwaters of Smith's Creek beside the largest magnolia tree on the face of the earth.