Lillard's Mill Hydroelectric Station

This historic mill on the Duck River is in rural Marshall County, TN and the unincorporated community that was built nearby was known as Milltown. This dam was completed in 1928 and is historically significant as one of three dams on the Duck River to predate TVA. You can read it's entry on the National Register of Historic Places here: npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/89002370

Today, the area is considered a park and popular with the locals. To get here, follow there is a gravel driveway that leads off of Milltown Rd. This driveway leads to a parking lot, and you can then walk the gravel to the Duck River. This is a calm spot in the river 1000 ft past the dam, and it is popular for swimming and rafting. To the east, you can walk along the rocky terrain to get a closer view of the dam. If you take a close look, there are some adventurous teens that have climbed onto it.

Livesay Mill - Fiddler's Grove

The Livesay Mill is now one the many historic buildings located at Fiddler's Grove at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, TN. Here is the description from the Fiddler's Grove website:

Livesay Mill was built in 1879 on the Clinch River at Kyles Ford near the Tennessee Virginia State Line in Hancock County. The Grist Mill was water powered using a pair of grinding stones to grind corn for meal and wheat for flour. According to deed records, S. W. Carter and John Livesay along with other family members settled in Sneedville prior to the Civil War.

Mr. Jerry McFarland acquired the mill and donated it to Fiddlers Grove in 2005. The millhouse was built in Fiddlers Grove in 2006 and the Grist Mill was installed and became operational during the Wilson County Fair in 2007.
www.fiddlersgrove.org/facilities/historical-buildings/31-...

Ledford Mill

Ledford Mill is an 1884 gristmill listed on the National register of Historic Places. The nearest city is Tullahoma, sometimes listed as Wartrace, but is in the corner of Moore County, so it's technically in Lynchburg. Visually, it's an unusual setting for a Middle Tennessee Mill. The road leads right up to the door on an upper floor of this mill in the narrow valley.

Mills need a place to harness the power of water, and are usually situated at a waterfall or a dam. This place has both. An old large metal pipe runs from the top of the dam of Shipman's Creek to the mill. a path with a wooden pedestrian bridge leads to a bench where you can sit and watch the 20 foot waterfalls in a peaceful setting. With the lake above the dam, you can see the fish which are considered pets at the mill.

Like most gristmills, it went out of business decades ago. However, the mill was restored in 1996 by innkeepers John & Mildred Spear who operate the mill as a three room bed & breakfast. During business hours, the mill is open as a gift shop / antique store. Visitors are allowed to look around but when the paying overnight guests arrive, they get the area to themselves.

The Old Mill - Pigeon Forge

In the early 1800s, this gristmill was built on the Little Pigeon river in what was then a small mountain community of Pigeon Forge. The mill, which was built to make meal and flour for the locals still does that today. The Old Mill even furnished electricity for the town until 1935.

In 1830, William Love dammed the Little Pigeon and started construction on the mill using 40' long yellow Poplar logs.

In those days, the mill was the hub of local activity and now, 180 years later is one of the most popular tourist spots around the Smoky Mountains. The adjoining restaurant is also one of the most popular in Pigeon Forge. The Old Mill is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Old Mill - Pigeon Forge

In the early 1800s, this gristmill was built on the Little Pigeon river in what was then a small mountain community of Pigeon Forge. The mill, which was built to make meal and flour for the locals still does that today. The Old Mill even furnished electricity for the town until 1935.

In 1830, William Love dammed the Little Pigeon and started construction on the mill using 40' long yellow Poplar logs.

In those days, the mill was the hub of local activity and now, 180 years later is one of the most popular tourist spots around the Smoky Mountains. The adjoining restaurant is also one of the most popular in Pigeon Forge. The Old Mill is also on the National Register of Historic Places

Cades Cove: Cable Grist Mill

Cades Cove at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular destination in the United States most visited national park. The isolated valley was the home to many early settlers and today several of those sites are well preserved. An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee the wildlife, scenic beauty and historic district structures on the National Register of Historic Places at a leisurely pace.

One of the most successful -- and enduring -- grist mills in the cove was the John Cable Mill, built in 1867-68. He had to construct a series of elaborate diversions along Mill Creek and Forge Creek to get enough water power for the mill's characteristic overshot wheel. The mill, which processed logs, wheat and corn and was originally operated by millwright Daniel Ledbetter, continued to function in some fashion until the 1920s, and was still in use when the Park was formed.

The last Sassafras Mill Boiler in the U.S.

This is located along highway TN18 in the small Hardeman County, TN town of Hickory Valley. According to the marker:

Sassafras Mill
1920 - 1974
This is the boiler portion of the sassafras mill that operated in Hickory Valley. It took native sassafras roots and processed them into an aromatic oil used in medicine, perfume, and flavoring. A man with a mule regularly dug a ton of roots a day and was paid $14.00. One owner promoted the mill by paying his workers with bills dipped in the oil. In its final years of operation, the Hickory Valley sassafras mill was the only one in the United States.

Ketner's Mill on the Sequatchie River

Orphan David Ketner moved to the Sequatchie Valley in 1824 and opened a grist mill in an area today known as Ketner's Cover at the base of Suck Creek Mountain. His son Alexander bought a new site along the Sequatchie River in 1868 and completed the brick grist mill seen here in 1882 where it remained in operation until 1955.



A couple of decades later, the Ketner family undertook a new beginning for the mill ushering in a new era. After undergoing a restoration, the mill was reopened in 1977 along with the first annual Ketner Mill Country Fair. That same year, the mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The mill continued to be operated year round until 1992 upon the death of mill operator Clyde Ketner, grandson of David Ketner.

The yearly Ketner's Mill Country Arts Fair is still going strong. held every fall, the 2016 event will be the 40th year. Still owned by the same family, now the 5th generation runs the mill, but only for a short period every year to make enough flour to sell at the yearly fair.

Wilhoite Mill 1902 Wheel

Located along the Duck River in Marshall County was the site of three mills over the years. This wheel was part of the 1902 mill constructed on higher ground after the original was destroyed by a flood. A belt attached to the wheel transferred power from the turbines below to the mill building. A passage for the belt was trenched through the limestone and can still be seen in the area.

Wilhoite was a community that was built up around the area of the mills. Today, all that remains are the building blocks of some of those buildings plus a few pieces of the mills. A trail has been built to access these places. This area is adjacent to and across the river from the main part of Henry Horton State Park along highway US31A.

Roan Mountain State Park Visitors Center

Located in Carter County along the Doe River is the Visitors Center for Roan Mountain State Park. (the center is not actually on the mountain.) The parking area is along highway TN143 and connects via the pedestrian bridge seen in the middle. Also seen here is an old mill and a wagon wheel. Also, the Peg Leg Iron Ore Mine is just a short walk from here along a trail.

Cades Cove: Cable Grist Mill

Cades Cove at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular destination in the United States most visited national park. The isolated valley was the home to many early settlers and today several of those sites are well preserved. An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sight-see the wildlife, scenic beauty and historic district structures on the National Register of Historic Places at a leisurely pace.

One of the most successful -- and enduring -- grist mills in the cove was the John Cable Mill, built in 1867-68. He had to construct a series of elaborate diversions along Mill Creek and Forge Creek to get enough water power for the mill's characteristic overshot wheel. The mill, which processed logs, wheat and corn and was originally operated by millwright Daniel Ledbetter, continued to function in some fashion until the 1920s, and was still in use when the Park was formed.

Cades Cove: Cable Grist Mill cribbing and frozen waterwheel

Cades Cove at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular destination in the United States most visited national park. The isolated valley was the home to many early settlers and today several of those sites are well preserved. An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee the wildlife, scenic beauty and historic district structures on the National Register of Historic Places at a leisurely pace.

One of the most successful -- and enduring -- grist mills in the cove was the John Cable Mill, built in 1867-68. He had to construct a series of elaborate diversions along Mill Creek and Forge Creek to get enough water power for the mill's characteristic overshot wheel. The mill, which processed logs, wheat and corn and was originally operated by millwright Daniel Ledbetter, continued to function in some fashion until the 1920s, and was still in use when the Park was formed.

In the News: Ten in Tenn: Great Falls Cotton Mill - Rock Island, TN

A few days ago, the Tennessee Preservation Trust released their 2015 list of endangered historical sites in the state. This week on the blog, we are talking about some of the properties on this list. Here is how TPT describes the list:
"The Tennessee Preservation Trust’s Ten in Tennessee Endangered Properties List Program is TPT’s strongest advocacy tool for the state’s most endangered historic sites. Each year, TPT seeks nominations for the “Ten in Tenn” from the public from each of Tennessee’s nine Development Districts."

You can also see past entries on their website here:
http://www.tennesseepreservationtrust.org/ten-in-tn/?ref=archive



This abandoned mill is located inside of Rock Island State Park along highway TN287 right near the parking lot to view the great falls. Here's the story according to the historical marker:

Falls City Cotton Mill was built in 1892 by Asa Faulkner and several partners. It was the only textile mill in Warren County prior to 1930. The mill was in operation until the great flood of 1902, which destroyed many of the mills in the region. Situated on the bluff above the Great Falls of the Caney Fork River, the structure survived but was forced to close due to the loss of the turbine that washed away.

The Mill was operated by a flume, turbine, ropes, and pulleys powered by water diverted from the falls. The operation included the manufacture of cotton, wood products, and was well known for its heavy cotton sheeting.

Mr. Faulkner, wanting to help those most in need, hired and housed some 300 workers, predominantly widows and children. This created a booming "city" that included a blacksmith, post office, farm, market, and store of company products.

The building has been used for storage for the last 50 years and deterioration over the last 20 has compromised the building’s integrity. Owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the building is leased to the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation for use by Rock Island State Park. However, bureaucracy, cost of repairs and lack of a vision plan has left the landmark to deteriorate.

Falls Mill

Falls Mill was built in 1873 near the town of Belvidere, TN on the western side of Franklin County. The Mill was built in this location because of the two small waterfalls along factory creek could be harnessed.

upstream from the first waterfall is an 8 foot high dam which routes water into a millrace to supply water to the waterwheel. The 32 foot tall and 4 foot wide wheel from the Fits Waterwheel company of Hanover, PA was installed in 1906 and is believed to be the tallest overshot waterwheel still in productive service in the U.S.

Today, the mill produces stone ground grits, cornmeal and flour. At one time, this was a cotton mill and many of the looms are on display on the third floor. Much of the mill is open as a museum which visitors can see. The mill is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Alvin C York Gristmill & Dam

Tennessean and hero Alvin C. York was one of the most decorated soldiers in World War I. On Oct. 8, 1918, while leading a small patrol through the Argonne Forest in France, Sgt. York had the assignment to eliminate a flank of opposition machine gun fire that was halting his regiment's advancement. York found himself alone facing a German machine gun unit and he took them on with only a rifle and a pistol. The fight ended with over 20 German soldiers dead and another 132 soldiers surrendering along with their four officers and 35 machine guns. For his efforts he was awarded a dozen medals including the Congressional Medal of Honor.

After the War, he returned to his family farm in Pall Mall, nestled in the Tennessee Mountains. York never looked to capitalize on his fame, and instead led a quiet life.

York's Family farm, grist mill, and burial site are now maintained by Tennessee as a State Historic Park. The Grist Mill and dam were built on the Wolf River and operated by York until his death in 1964. Since then, the farm has been designated a National Historic Landmark District and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Falls Mill

Falls Mill was built in 1873 near the town of Belvidere, TN on the western side of Franklin County. The Mill was built in this location because of the two small waterfalls along factory creek could be harnessed.

Upstream from the first waterfall is an 8 foot high dam which routes water into a millrace to supply water to the waterwheel. The 32 foot tall and 4 foot wide wheel from the Fits Waterwheel company of Hanover, PA was installed in 1906 and is believed to be the tallest overshot waterwheel still in productive service in the U.S.

Today, the mill produces stone ground grits, cornmeal and flour. At one time, this was a cotton mill and many of the looms are on display on the third floor. Much of the mill is open as a museum which visitors can see. The mill is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

On the right, you can see Falls Mill Falls as the stream tumbles 6 feet into the pool below.

Historic Marker:
seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=historical-markers%2...

W.B. Davis Hosiery Mill - Ft. Payne, AL

This building was erected in 1889 to be the Alabama Builders' Hardware Manufacturing Company to produce an extensive line of tools. However, Industry in Ft. Payne reached an economic downturn soon thereafter and this building became unused.

In 1907, the doors reopened and the Florence Knitting Company and became a major knitter of socks. In 1915, W.B. Davis became the majority shareholder and the company was booming. Fort Payne became the largest single location of hosiery manufacturing in the United States and the city soon earned the nickname "Sock Capital of the World."

Collection of bags of mill flour at Falls Mill

Falls Mill produces stone ground grits, cornmeal, flour and pancake mix. Along one wooden wall of the third floor of the mill (which is used as a museum) is a collection of similar bags from other mills around Tennessee and nearby. Some of these mills are gone and others are not productive anymore. Some of the bags are:

Mill Springs Mill - Mill Springs, KY
Brown's Mill - Lascassas, TN
Readyville Mill, Readyville, TN
Little River Mill
Prater's Mill
St. John's Mill - Watauga, TN
The Old Mill - Pigeon Forge, TN
Lanterman's Mill - Youngstown, OH
War Eagle Mill
Ledford's Mill - Tullahoma, TN
Old Graue Mill - Ill
Boiling Fork Mill, Winchester, TN

Mossy Waterwheel at Falls Mill

Upstream from the first waterfall is an 8 foot high dam which routes water into a millrace to supply water to the waterwheel. The first two wheels were wooden, but for a more permanent solution, a steel with cast iron gears. This 32 foot tall and 4 foot wide wheel from the Fits Waterwheel company of Hanover, PA was installed in 1906 and is believed to be the tallest overshot waterwheel still in productive service in the U.S.

Remains of the 1846 Wilhoite Mill

The remains of the original penstock piers can still be seen along the bank of the Duck River in Marshall County. Here, water was diverted to turn two turbines. The mill was rated at 60 barrels of flour and 150 bushels of corn per day. The Mill and a nearby bridge were destroyed by a flood of March 28, 1902, but a newer mill was built higher up along the bank, and some of those remains also survive today.

After the Civil War, a small community sprung up around the mill, which included a general store, a blacksmith, a post office and some housing. Today, little remains of the Wilhoite community other that what is left of the two mills. This can be seen as part of the Wilhoite Mill trail at Henry Horton State Park, and is across the duck river from most of the rest of this park. The entrance to the parking area can be seen along US31A.