Robert Mills (architect)
| Robert Mills | |
|---|---|
| Born |
August 12, 1781 Charleston, South Carolina |
| Died | March 3, 1855 (aged 73) Washington D.C. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Architect, Engineer |
| Spouse(s) | Eliza Barnwell Smith |
| Parent(s) | William Mills & Ann Taylor |
Robert Mills (August 12, 1781 – March 3, 1855), known for designing the Washington Monument, is sometimes called the first native born American to be professionally trained as an architect, though Charles Bulfinch perhaps has a clearer claim to this honor. Mills studied in Charleston, South Carolina, as a student of Irish architect James Hoban—who later designed the White House, which became the official home of US presidents. Both Hoban and Mills were Freemasons.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Mills moved to Philadelphia in 1802 where he became an associate and student of Benjamin Henry Latrobe. At the age of 19, Mills, a graduate of College of Charleston, left Charleston for Washington, DC, to work with his friend and mentor James Hoban on the construction of the White House. During this time, Robert met Thomas Jefferson, who became the first full term resident of the new Presidential home. Some Philadelphia buildings that Mills designed are Washington Hall, Samson Street Baptist Church, and the Octagon Church for the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. He also designed the Upper Ferry Bridge covering. Mills designed and built the First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Georgia in 1802. In 1808 Mills created blueprints for a prison used mostly for reform. In 1811 the prison was constructed in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. "With the possible exception of [their] neighbor, Eastern States Penitentiary, it is the most significant prison building in the United States" says the Historic Burlington County Prison Museum Association. In 1812, Mills designed the Monumental Church in Richmond, Virginia which was built to commemorate the death of 72 people in the Richmond Theatre.
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