Occoquan

Occoquan is a town in north east Virginia whose name is derived from a Dogue Indian word meaning "at the end of the water." It is believed that the Dogues stayed close to the Occoquan River because of the abundance of fish and ease of traveling by canoe.  It was the river and its location, at the head of the tidewater, that made Occoquan a natural site for water-borne commerce,  from the earliest days of the settlement of Virginia.

 

A tobacco warehouse was built as early as 1736, and an industrial complex begun in 1750. Before the turn of the century, Occoquan had forges, water grist mills, tolling mills, a bake house, saw mills, storehouses and dwellings. The Merchant's Mill became the first automated grist mill in the nation. Grain was taken from the holds of ships and off barges, processed, and returned to these carriers by machinery operated by only one man, then transported to markets from Alexandria to the West Indies.

Today, Occoquan remains a quiet river town with quaint shops and restaurants.  With Mom T here, the three of us took an outing one sunny afternoon for lunch and a little shopping.

We had a great day, and finished up with pie at "Mom's Apple Pie Bakery".  So much for not spoiling your dinner!