Powder mills are industrial facilities where explosive materials, such as gunpowder, are produced. These mills typically use a combination of raw materials, including saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal, which are carefully processed and mixed to create the final product. The production process requires strict safety measures due to the volatile nature of the materials involved. Historically, powder mills played a crucial role in military applications, particularly during the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. They were often located near water sources to provide power for machinery and to facilitate transportation. Today, many former powder mill sites have been repurposed for other uses or preserved as historical landmarks.