The Pierson Mill in Essex County was built in 1830 by Lewis Pierson. Pierson used wood from the property to build a gristmill, and powered the turbines by building a 300 foot dam across the Rahway River. After 170 years, when the Pierson family finally had to close its doors, the property was bought by a local architect who rehabilitated the building. The preservation of this historic site contains the footprint of the original building, and now accommodates local businesses. (Photo courtesy of Preservation NJ)