Ghosts of Aldie Mill
Both docents were interviewed first separately then together. Several stories and reports of paranormal activity were revealed.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Aldie,+VA+20105/@38.9755451,-77.6416879,216m
Aldie Mill, located in Aldie, Virginia, is a historic grist mill with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Constructed between 1807 and 1809 by William Cooke for Charles Fenton Mercer, the mill capitalized on its strategic location near the Little River and the convergence of three major turnpikes.
Historical Significance:
- Construction and Operation: The mill complex originally included a merchant mill, country mill, granary, and other auxiliary structures. It utilized tandem metal waterwheels, unique in Virginia, to power its operations. The mill played a pivotal role in the local economy by grinding wheat and corn for surrounding counties.
- Civil War Era: During the Civil War, Aldie Mill was the site of notable events. On March 2, 1863, Confederate Colonel John S. Mosby led a raid known as the “Aldie Races,” capturing Union soldiers at the mill. Additionally, the Battle of Aldie on June 17, 1863, part of the Gettysburg Campaign, saw significant cavalry skirmishes in the vicinity.
Known Deaths and Tragedies:
- Lucien Carter’s Accident: In 1920, Lucien Carter, while attempting to repair machinery at the mill, was tragically mangled, leading to his death. This incident is noted as the mill’s only recorded fatality.
Paranormal Activity:
While the provided sources do not detail specific paranormal occurrences at Aldie Mill, the mill’s long history and the events that transpired there contribute to local lore and intrigue. Visitors and staff have occasionally reported unexplained noises and sightings, adding to the mill’s mystique.
Today, Aldie Mill stands as a testament to early American industrial architecture and history. Restored and maintained by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, it offers visitors a glimpse into the past with milling demonstrations and historical exhibits.
Lucien A. Carter, born around 1859 in Virginia, was the son of James Shirley Carter and Mary F. Carter. He married Alice A. Carter, daughter of Thomas and Adelia Carter, on December 11, 1884, in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Tragically, in 1920, Lucien Carter suffered a fatal accident at Aldie Mill in Loudoun County, Virginia. While attempting to repair machinery, he was mangled in the equipment, marking the mill’s only recorded fatality.
Further details about Lucien A. Carter’s life, including his specific role at Aldie Mill and his contributions to the community, are limited in the available historical records. His untimely death underscores the inherent dangers faced by mill workers in the early 20th century.
