The powder mill was constructed in 1776 by Jacob Ford, Jr. with the help of a loan from the New Jersey Committee for Safety. A Continental Congress resolution in July of 1776 authorized General Washington to draw powder from the mill. Ford died in 1777, but the mill continued to be operated by his brother-in-law and his neighbor. Following its use as a powder mill, the building was moved about 100 feet and converted to a residence. The structure was destroyed around 1860. In the early 1970s research was done to identify the location and possible remnants of the mill.  These early archaeological surveys identified remains of a raceway, possible dam abutment, remnants of a stone floor, a wrought iron rake, and architectural debris. The site is located along the banks of the Whippany River and bricks and other possible building materials have been identified downstream.   

The Trust grant helped fund the preparation of an archaeological management plan and a National Register nomination.