The word “Müllenark” in middle-high-German meant “mill dam.” The Müllenark estate was the location of a large mill, and the barons who lived there were known by the name Müllenark as early as the 12th century. The mill was operated by water diverted from the Roer River and retained in a mill pond just to the southeast of the house. The pond and moat mentioned in the various accounts of the battle were respectively the mill pond and the canal that diverted the river water to the mill works. Over the centuries, the Müllenark gristmill was used to grind grain, extract oils, and later to power saws, grinders and other machinery. At its peak, it boasted three large water wheels and serviced several towns in the area, including Schophoven. The mill works were located, in part, in the southern wing of the house, while the northern and western portions of the structure were residential. Most of the machinery operated by the mill in the early 20th century was located in the house located at the southwest corner of the great house. It is possible that the large cellar behind the house was originally used as cold storage for mill products such as flour and oil.
Just for fun, here is Lee's Bronze Star Citation earned at Müllenark on Dec. 13, 1944:
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