Mills, Robert (1781-1855), was one of the first Americans trained as an architect and engineer. He designed the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., which for many years was the tallest structure in the world (see Washington Monument). Mills designed more than 50 important buildings. They include the United States Post Office, Treasury, and Patent Office buildings in Washington, D.C, and numerous U.S. customs houses and courthouses. His nongovernment buildings include churches and homes. Mills was born in Charleston, S.C.
