That is one sign you can believe as Occoquan is Historic - a tobacco warehouse was built there as early as 1736 and an industrial complex was under way by 1750.
Occoquan means "at the end of the water" in the Dogue Indian language. There are falls just north of the town, but then the river levels out on its' way to the Potomac River. It made canoe travel easy and there was a good supply of fish.
The town grew rapidly with forges, rolling mills, bake house, warehouses and homes - all before the turn of the century.
The Merchant's Mill was the first automated grist mill in the country. It operated for 175 years until it was destroyed by fire, The miller's office survived and is now the Occoquan museum.
By 1804 the town was laid out with streets and lots. Prior to the Civil War Occoquan had a robust economy specializing in ship building, cotton and grist mills as well as river ice which was harvested in the winter, stored and shipped to Washington, DC.
At the beginning of the 20th century Occoquan had all the trappings of a growing community. However, a 1916 fire destroyed much of the town. When Route 1 opened shortly after it bypassed Occoquan as did the railroad. Then in 1972 Hurricane Agnes struck destroying sidewalks, streets and more buildings.
The determined citizens and merchants repaired and rebuilt the town. Today, Occoquan, population 850, attracts visitors to shops and restaurants in buildings as old as 200 years. It is both picturesque and unique - it has been ever since it was discovered by Captain John Smith in 1608..
Also, see Rockledge, a 1760 Occoquan mansion and the unique Occoquan Town Hall and the very "chic" Hammill Hotel.
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