Originally settled as part of the Tackett land grant. That’s the story of Tacketts Mill. The Tackett name came from the French Tacquette. This area has a rich history. It served as a vital hub for the early settlers.
Tacketts Mill was more than just a mill. It was the center of the universe for locals. This was during the late 1700s and through the 1800s. The original land grant in Stafford County was impressive. It had a grist mill, a sawmill and a textile manufacturing mill. Also it contained a school for girls and a store. That store was the only one in the area during the mid-1800s.
Let’s step back in time to imagine the scene. Farmers brought their grain to be ground into flour. The saw mill buzzed with activity turning logs into lumber. The textile mill produced fabrics for clothing and household items. Children attended the school, and the store provided essential goods. It all painted a picture of a self-sufficient community.
The mill’s importance continued. In July 1983, the remains of the grist mill were moved. They were moved to Prince William County. Ridge Development Corp., included the mill in their plans. They developed a 60-acre retail, office and residential village. It was located at the entrance of Lake Ridge.
Picture this: a charming village surrounded by two lakes. Fountains sparkled in the sunlight. A covered bridge added to the picturesque setting. The reconstructed mill housed the workings of the original grist mill. It offered a glimpse into the past.
Tacketts Mill has a shopping complex today. It is accessed from Minnieville Road. Turn onto Tacketts Mill Drive. The mill is visible from the entrance drives.
But that is not all of the story of Tacketts Mill. A time capsule was buried here in 1985. It was opened on May 29th, 2019. This was the 50th anniversary of the founding of Lake Ridge. The contents of the time capsule are on display at the Clearbrook Center of the Arts. It’s a testament to the community’s history and memories.
Today, Tacketts Mill continues to evolve. It offers a blend of retail, office and residential spaces. You’ll find shops, restaurants and services here. It has Safeway, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Massage Envy. Tacketts Mill remains a vital part of the community. It has a reminder of its rich heritage.