In 1794, a mill-site at Buttermilk Falls was sold to David Lydig. This mill changed hands in 1838 and became David Parry's Grist Mill. The Historic Resources of the Hudson compiled by the Hudson River Valley Commission noted that the mill was a favorite subject of Hudson River artists.
Arthur Adams in The Hudson River Guidebook says that when they built the west shore railroad it was necessary to tear down the mill and hang bridges parallel to the cliffs out over the water. Parry also owned a hotel, Adams says, called Parry House above the mill.