Moulin du Petit Pre

Moulin du Petit-Pre also known as Moulin de Monseigneur-de-Laval is a water-powered flour mill in Chateau-Richer, Quebec, Canada at the north shore of the St. Lawrence river about 20 kilometers northeast of Quebec City, and is the oldest commercial flour mill in North America.The mill became built for the Seminary of Quebec underneath the auspices of Bishop Francois de Laval. Construction started in 1691 and turned into finished with the aid of 1695.At ious instances in its more than 300-year history, the mill has been used to grind wheat, mill lumber, and twine wool. It become damaged or destroyed with the aid of hearth three instances, and has no longer been operational since the early 20th century. The mill presently serves as a cultural and ancient landmark in Quebec.

The mill become built among 1691 and 1695 via Charles Pouliot, and changed into used to grind wheat into flour for nearby traders in the Quebec City area, deriving its strength from the Petit-Pre river near wherein it joins the St. Lawrence river.Jean Richard was the mill's first miller. A fireplace in 1702 damaged the constructing, however it turned into repaired 4 years later, restoring the authentic milling capability. Several upkeep and enhancements were made to the mill among 1732 and 1744, together with the expansion of the building in 1742 to accommodate a 3rd feed mill.