McCormick's Mill, Raphine, VA
Issued in 2004
IS: 7-1/2 x 9 ins. PS: 10-1/2 x 10-3/4 ins.
Edition: 1,000 and 25 artist's proofs
$75
Cyrus Hall McCormick invented the first successful reaper and founded the harvesting machine industry. This, the world's first successful mechanical reaper, opened a new era in agriculture, an age of mechanization that changed life on the farm. Visitors are welcome to tour the McCormick farm in Walnut Grove, including the historic blacksmith shop turned museum, grist mill and manor house, which are National Historic Landmarks. The mill was last utilized for grinding wheat in 1931. It is believed to date prior to 1800. Its typical overshot wheel, generating about 17 horsepower, is propelled by water from the pond across the road.
|