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Our History & Land Acknowledgement
Our land was originally part of the Arrohateck Tribe. They were one of 30 tribes in the Powhatan Confederacy and we would like to acknowledge their ancestors who once lived here and were displaced. We strive to be an inclusive and welcoming center for individuals of all backgrounds and honor the native people who originally called this land home.
Timeline of The Mill
Pre-1611
Chesterfield land was a part of the Arrohateck Tribe's traditional dwelling and hunting grounds.
1611
British Colonists began construction of "Citie of Henricus" began in what is now known as Chesterfield County.
1655
King Charles II of England provides Virginia colonist, Henry Randolph, with a land grant.
1663
Henry Randolph built the Randolph Mill which then began operation as a gristmill, grinding corn into flour.
1805
Randolph’s descendant deed the Mill to William Rowlett.
1852
Swift Creek Manufacturing Company purchases The Mill.
1865
The Mill became Schmidt’s Distillery of corn whiskey.
1956
Gristmill operations and the distillery closed for good.
1965
Three local families purchase and renovate The Mill. In December, Swift Creek Mill Playhouse opens with a production of Carnival.
1976
Swift Creek Mill Playhouse hires actor, Tom Width, to perform in Once Upon a Mattress. He went onto appear in several more shows and soon started directing. Tom eventually became The Mill’s Artistic Director in 2001 and is still the Artistic Director today.
1989
Drifty the Snowman first appears in a youth show at The Mill. This is now a winter tradition.
2001
The Mill reorganizes to be incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) Not For Profit corporation, Swift Creek Mill Theatre.
2013
The Mill is renovated and approved for ADA Accessibility compliance.
2020
During the COVID19 Pandemic, SCMT suspends operations. In August, historic flooding leads to two feet of water in the main dining room and fills the Granite Room.
2021
Doors reopen,youth programing, and live professional theatre begin again.
1864
The Battle of Swift Creek took place during the Civil War. The Mill building suffered minimal distruction.
Read More About Swift Creek Mill Theatre
Read about our past performances and see how we've evolved over the years!
Read our mission statement and discover how we fit into the community.
Read about the people who make The Mill what it is today.