It is the oldest mill complex in North Adams that has not had its exterior significantly altered, making visible much of its Italianate styling.

In 1831 the land, owned by Luke Brown, had been purchased for $520 by William E. and Thomas A. Brayton, and in 1832 a stone mill 40 x 74 feet, three stories high, with an attic was constructed.

The factory village, known as Braytonville, grew around the new mill and was briefly named Deweyville, after Daniel Dewey, in 1863 and until his retirement in 1868.

Blackinton used the mill to produce woolen goods that were in high demand during the American Civil War.

At that time the works had fifty looms, employing 275 hands and turned out 20,000 yards of six-quarter fancy cassimeres per month.