The origin of Abbott's Mill can be traced back to 1795 when Nathan Willey purchased the land in southern Delaware, nearby today's city of Milford. During the spring in 1802 Willey and several neighbors petition the Court of General Sessions for the road be extended to their new grist mill. Following Willey's death in 1812, the mill changed ownership numerous times during the next century until it was purchased by miller Ainsworth Abbott in 1919. The present mill, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, is believed to have been reconstructed on the foundation of the original building. The mill was operated by miller Abbott until the State of Delaware acquired of the property in 1963.
   Abbott's Mill Historic Site is now part of the Delaware Nature Society's Abbott's Mill Nature Center. In conjunction with the historic grist mill, the center offers programs and activities to encourage the appreciation of our natural environment and cultural heritage. Nature programs are geared to adults and families, school classes and public groups.
   The nature center is located on a 376-acre piece of Milford Millponds Nature Preserve, where easy walking trails lead through fields, pine woods, by the mill stream and its retention ponds. At the Isaacs Tract, youngsters may explore an Atlantic white cedar swamp, looking for birds, owls and American beavers. A boardwalk allows visitors to venture into a swamp without getting wet feet.

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