Draft:Grant's Old Mill

Grant's Old Mill, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba is a working 1975 reconstruction of a 1829 grist mill built by Métis leader Cuthbert Grant. It is located in St. James-Assiniboia on Sturgeon Creek just north of Portage Avenue.

History
In 1829 Cuthbert Grant started construction of a mill on Sturgeon Creek, which flows south into the Assiniboine River. The mill was used to grind grain into flour and was the first water-powered mill in Western Canada. After three years it was abandoned as flooding had caused repeated damage to the structure. The mill's failure was briefly mentioned in Alexander Ross' book History of the Red River: "The first mill was begun in September 1829. It failed again and again and was abandoned within three years ... a total failure."

Grant's Old Mill Museum
In 1973 a retired clergyman Francis Walker "Frank" Armstrong, who had helped establish the Historical Museum of St. James – Assiniboia, worked with local residents and started reconstruction of the mill. It was created using one-foot long tamarack logs from Whiteshell and stones from a quarry in Garson. The mill is still in use today, showing how a working water mill would have operated in the 19th Century. Inside the mill is a museum showcasing how life was for Métis people in Manitoba in the 1800's, as well as telling the life of Cuthbert Grant. In the summer the mill holds two major events; Cuthbert Grant Day and Pioneer Day. Cuthbert Grant Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in July, around the anniversary of his death on July 15th 1854. Pioneer Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of August. Both events feature historical reenactments, live music, dancing, and a BBQ lunch.