This mill stone is believed to be from Musgrove's Mill located on the Enoree River in Laurens County, several miles North of Clinton.
Edward Musgrove built his grist mill at that location for the water to power the mill, the proximity to a main road and its location at a place to cross the river. During the mid-1700's the demand was high among backcountry residents for a means to grind their crops without having to make a trip that could take days to complete.
In the early settlements of the upstate, grist mills were built along the abundant rivers in the area. Early mills were powered by water with a water wheel that would turn the millstones, usually placed in pairs-an upper and lower-that caused the grain and corn to be ground on the bed stone. Grooves and slats were cut into the grinding stone by hand to help with the crushing of the grain.
Because of the location of Musgrove's Mill, the British became interested in it during the American Revolution. British and Tory troops made this a central point for the movement of supplies, fording the river and in helping them establish control over transportation and communication in the region.
On August 19, 1780, Patriot forces faced an overwhelming number of British and Tory troops in a fierce battle that resulted in a Patriot victory.
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