Printz's (Old Swedes) Mill
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The first European water-powered mill in what is now Pa. was built here c. 1645 by New Sweden governor, Johann Printz. New Sweden Colony was established in 1638 and existed until 1655, when the Dutch, and later, William Penn claimed the territory. Built along the Great Minquas Path, the primitive Norse or Splash grist mill was among the first industrial sites in Pa. Its square anchoring holes remain, visible below the mill dam constructed later.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Around 1645, Johann Printz, governor of the short-lived New Sweden Colony, ordered a simple water-powered grist mill built here—the first such European mill in what would become Pennsylvania. New Sweden itself lasted only from 1638 to 1655 before the Dutch, and eventually William Penn, claimed the land. Set along the Great Minquas Path, a Native American trade route, the primitive "splash" mill was among the region's earliest industrial sites, and its square anchoring holes can still be seen below the later dam.
Why it matters
This spot marks both the fleeting Swedish chapter of American colonization and the very beginning of Pennsylvania's long industrial story, where Europeans first harnessed a river to grind grain.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer5.4 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House5.5 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Congress Hall5.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial5.6 mi away
- Independence Hall5.6 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center5.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
Attractions
- American Bandstand3.4 mi away
- Commandant's Quarters4.0 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo4.7 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck4.8 mi away
- Rocky Steps4.8 mi away
- The Universal Sphere4.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden5.4 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily5.4 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon5.4 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill5.4 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe5.4 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut5.4 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City4.9 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City4.9 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites4.9 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn5.0 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express5.0 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City5.1 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Related people
- · Johann Printz
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
The Slinky Toy
Clifton Heights, PA · est. 2019
A coiled steel spring that could "walk" down stairs became one of the twentieth century's most beloved toys — and it was made right here. Richard James stumbled onto the idea in 1943, his wife Betty gave it the name Slinky, and James Industries manufactured it in Clifton Heights for decades. When Richard walked away in 1960 and left a nearly bankrupt firm to Betty, she rebuilt it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, later earning a place in the Toy Industry Hall of Fame.
Sellers Hall
Upper Darby, PA · est. 1985
Built around 1684, Sellers Hall was the first permanent home in Upper Darby, raised by Samuel Sellers and his bride Anna Gibbons in the earliest days of Penn's colony. The family became famous for its bent toward mechanics and science across generations. One son, John Sellers, helped found the American Philosophical Society and in 1769 joined the celebrated observation of Venus crossing the face of the sun.
Paul Philippe Cret (1876-1945)
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1992
French-born and French-trained, Paul Philippe Cret settled in Philadelphia and became one of America's most influential architects and civic planners in the early 20th century. From his home in this block of 1861 Italianate villas on Woodland Terrace, he shaped landmark works including the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Rodin Museum, and Washington's Folger Shakespeare Library. His refined, classically grounded designs left a lasting mark on the American cityscape.
Stephen Girard (1750-1831)
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1993
Stephen Girard arrived in Philadelphia in 1776, just as the young republic was being born, and rose to become one of America's wealthiest merchants and financiers. His backing steadied the First and Second Banks of the United States during the nation's precarious early decades, and his fortune later funded Girard College, which opened in 1848 to educate orphaned boys. This site held Gentilhommiere, his country house and a working farm of nearly 600 acres.