The much-anticipated auction of Shepherdstown’s historic Grist Mill was canceled after a last-minute offer was made on the property.

Sheriff Pete Dougherty, executor of the estate of the late Patrinka Kelch, who had previously owned the mill, said that he had received word about the offer shortly before the appointed auction time.

More than two dozen people had come to the Jefferson County courthouse to witness the proceedings or to place a bid, including members of Shepherdstown Town Council.

In a previous interview, Shepherdstown mayor, Jim Auxer had said, “(The mill) is the most important building in Shepherdstown. It is the cornerstone of Shepherdstown and the town wouldn’t be here without it.”

Town council had approved a bid of an undisclosed amount for the mill, but pending the new offer, council will have to meet again to decide if any further action will be taken.

A new Real Estate broker has been listed for the property.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Thomas Shepherd Grist Mill was built between 1734 and 1739, and was operational for two centuries.