In Focus: Chapman's Mill, Haymarket, Virginia

Ever since driving by a tall stone ruin of a building alongside I-66, years ago, I have wanted to photograph the ruins. I located it on the Web and have dreamed of driving out to photograph it in the fall, when the surrounding trees change color. Finally, I did it.

I woke up yesterday morning and knew it was time to photograph Chapman's Mill, also known as Beverley's Mill. The weather was crisp and cool, with slight wind gusts and a few clouds. The fall leaves were nearing their color peak. The setting of the mill meant that morning sunlight would be best for photography. Perfect!

After dropping my son off at school for play practice, leaving my husband in bed to sleep in after working all night, and knowing my daughter was on the road to visit her boyfriend out of town, I packed up my camera gear and set out.

I was delighted to see the mill up close (drive-by sightings at freeway speed do not do it justice). I was also glad to be greeted by a volunteer who told me not only was I allowed to park where I did and take photos, but I could also go inside the mill! He was very kind and chatted with me about the history of the place. The tallest stacked-stone structure in the United States, the circa 1742 seven-story building played a significant part in Civil War history.