Missouri’s historic grist mills and covered bridges are enduring testaments to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Weathered by time and the elements, these iconic structures embody stories of resilience, community, and their once-vital role in shaping rural life. Yet, with each passing year, their numbers diminish, leaving behind fading echoes of a rich and storied past.
I am embarking on an artistic journey to photograph and document Missouri’s last remaining historic grist mills and covered bridges, capturing their beauty and significance before they fade from existence.
Using my 8×10 large format view camera, I am creating archival platinum prints to serve as enduring visual records of these remarkable structures—prints that will stand the test of time for thousands of years.
Through my lens, I aim to honor the enduring spirit and rich heritage of Missouri’s iconic mills and bridges. This project preserves a pivotal chapter in the state’s history using a meticulous, handcrafted analog process that mirrors the craftsmanship and artistry of the structures themselves.
MISSOURI GRIST MILL LOCATIONS
Missouri Central Ozarks Region
Life in Ozark County during the 1800s presented formidable challenges. Farmers often traveled miles by wagon to mill their grain, a testament to early settlers’ rugged determination and resourcefulness. Ozark County offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its five surviving mills for those who cherish the history and the mechanical ingenuity of water-powered technology.
Once vital community resources, Dawt Mill and Rockbridge Mill have been transformed into full-time resorts, seamlessly blending historical ambiance with modern comforts. Hodgson Mill, which is celebrated as Missouri’s most photographed mill, stands as a poignant reminder of the past. Though visitors can admire its exterior and surrounding area, entry to the building itself is restricted. Zanoni Mill, under private ownership, and Hammond Mill, now a luxury home, exemplify the adaptive reuse of these historic structures.
Among these, Hodgson Mill is the only mill that retains its public heritage status, untouched by commercial or private developments. Meanwhile, Topaz Mill, privately owned but graciously open to the public thanks to the dedication of its current custodians, stands as the crown jewel of the central Ozarks’ mills. The owners’ unwavering commitment to preserving this magnificent American history invites visitors to step back and experience the enduring legacy of the Ozarks’ milling tradition.
For those drawn to the allure of historical architecture and the natural beauty of the Ozarks, these iconic mills offer an opportunity to connect with the past and support ongoing preservation efforts. Each visit is a chance to appreciate the ingenuity of early settlers and ensure the stories of these mills endure for generations to come.
Hodgson Mill
Nestled in the verdant Missouri Ozarks, Hodgson Mill is a testament to the region’s rich milling heritage, with its origins tracing back to the tumultuous times of the late 1800s. Initially built in the 1860s, this water-driven grist mill became a cornerstone of local industry, only to close during the disruptions of the Civil War. The fate of the initial structure remains shrouded in mystery — it is unclear whether it survived the war’s ravages or was later reconstructed.
Historical records confirm that a new chapter began for the site in 1897 when the mill was rebuilt, again emerging as a pivotal community asset. This reconstruction not only revived the mill’s operations but also symbolized the resilience and recovery of the region post-war. Today, Hodgson Mill continues to captivate visitors, standing proudly as a relic of the past, its weathered stones and sturdy beams echoing the stories of yesteryear.
Original National Historic Register Paperwork.
Topaz Mill (Private)
Topaz Mill is three stories tall and is in amazing condition for its age.
The first mill at this location was built in 1840, and the current mill was built in 1895.
Topaz Mill is now privately owned by the O’Neal family.
The owners are friendly people who love to share the history of Topaz Mill with interested parties.
The general store is right next to the mill, and these two historic buildings are all that is left of the once-thriving village of Topaz, located in Douglas County just south of Cabool.
The mill is powered by a spring that creates 10 million gallons of spring water every day that was directed to the undershot water wheel by a stone millrace.
The mill is in excellent condition and is very unique because most all of the original machines and equipment are still inside the mill. The owners have a Facebook Page that you can visit and learn more information about this amazing and wonderful piece of American history.
Dawt Mill (Commercial)
Dawt Mill was the last operating Grist Mill in Ozark County. The first Dawt Mill was built in 1866 and the current mill was built in 1897.
Dawn Mill is privately owned now and part of a resort. As you can see from the photo to the left (July 2021), the mill is under restoration right now and based on conversations that I had with employees, the Mill has never been reopened since the 2017 floods.
Since the mill is now part of a private resort and has been commercialized, I choose not to photograph it as part of my Ozark’s Historic Mills Project.
Dawt Mill like Rockbridge, once was a town with a blacksmith shop, store, church and hotel. Dawt Mill has become a fulltime resort with Cabin and Hotel style lodging, three restaurants and a concert venue not to mention legendary float trips.
Dawt Mill is located two miles northeast of Tecumseh, about a mile off Route PP.
Zanoni Mill (Private)
Zanoni Mill is located nine miles northeast of Gainesville on Hwy. 181. It boasts the only overshot water wheel operation in the Ozark County mills. Unfortunately, the mill is now privately owned, and the new owners have blocked off access to it. If you drive on their property, know you are trespassing.
Milling began at Zanoni during Civil War days in a little mud-built cabin built by John Cody. After the first mill burned, George Shoemaker built a new mill and added a sawmill. The mill burned again in 1905. That same year, A.P. Morrison built the third mill at Zanoni, sending to France for a new set of 18-inch flint buhrstones for $125.
The mill was powered by a spring that flowed from the hillside at 226,000 gallons a day. The spring furnished Zanoni with modern utilities, running water and electricity. Zanoni also was the site of an overall factory in the 1920’s. Ownership of the mill and village passed back into the hands of the Morrison family when it was purchased in 1974 by David Morrison (grandson of A.P. Morrison) and his wife Mary. The Morrisons built a beautiful home on the site, leaving the old mill, general store and family home standing.
A lake in front of the home receives the spring water from the mill. The water then runs over the lake’s spillway into Pine Creek.
Rockbridge Mill
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains lies the small village of Rockbridge. Alongside the village runs a beautiful, sparkling stream called Spring Creek where rainbow trout swim lazily along the rocky bottom.
Long ago, the village was the bustling hub of Ozark County, where people from miles around brought their grain to be milled, did their banking, shopped the general store and went to church.
It all started back in 1868 when B.V. Morris, an Ozarks pioneer, built a dam and a mill on Spring Creek. The milling business was good enough in those days that Morris soon found it necessary to enlarge the mill, which he did in 1894. Morris built one of the finest buildings in the area.
It closed in 1933 when the patterns of traffic changed in the region, but was rescued from inglorious deterioration by the Amyx family. Lile and Edith purchased the town site in 1954 and launched Rainbow Trout Ranch, one of the Ozarks’ most successful resorts and the mill started a new life.
Hammond Mill
Hammond Mill, located three miles southeast of Thornfield off Route D South, is currently being restored as a private residence.
https://www.google.com/maps?q=36.67595,-92.64633
Google Map directions from West Plains.
The three-story frame structure, built over a basement, was constructed in 1907 by John W. Grudier, one of the founders of Hammond.
Hammond was a thriving community with a post office, drug store, general store, and blacksmith shop. The mill ran 24 hours a day, grinding flour. Unlike the other water-powered mills in the county, Hammond Mill was powered by turbines. There was, however, a mill pond in the back where people fished while waiting for their grain to be ground into flour.
Hammond Mill has reportedly been restored into a rustic 3,600 sq. ft. private home that can accommodate 10 guests. Fishing, hunting, and exploring guide services are available. There is no telephone, computer, or A/C; there is just a gentle breeze through the trees and the sweet smell of the river. I am in the process of trying to visit and track down the details to confirm. The previous phone number and email address posted on the Ozark County website about Hammond Mill is no longer working or valid.
Directions: From Rockbridge, take Hwy N back to Hwy 95, then turn southwest towards Hwy 5. Make a right on 5 and follow it northwest for a few miles to Wasola. Turn left and follow Hwy 95 south to Hwy D. Turn left on D to find Hammond Mill.
Ozark Scenic Riverways Region
Alley Mill
Alley Spring Mill is one of the most photographed spots in Missouri, and for good reason.
The bright red grist mill is located 6 miles west of Eminence and rivals the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers as the crown jewel of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
The present mill dates to 1893 or 1894 and was originally white with green trim. It is hard to imagine those colors because we have only seen the iconic red color during our lifetime.
The mill is powered by a beautiful spring that, despite pumping out 81 million gallons of water per day, only ranks seventh in size among Missouri springs. The water is the same temperature all year round and it is incredibly clear.
Summersville Mill is only 13 miles to the west of Alley Spring Mill on Highway 106 and is definitely worth your time to visit.
Greer Spring Mill
Greer Spring mill was built on one of the largest springs in the Ozarks in the 1860’s.
Greer Spring produces an amazing 222 million gallons of water every day.
The original location of the mill was a mill off highway 19 down in a deep gorge next to an underwater cave.
The cave and original spring are still int the same place and the mill has been relocated next to the road on highway 19 for easy access and viewing.
During the civil war, the mill was burned down by Confederate soldiers. In 1870 the war was over, and the mill was rebuilt again.
Turner Mill Ruins
All that is left of Turner Mill is the 25-foot metal wheel that once transferred power from the spring pouring out of a small cave to the mill’s machinery.
Located on the edge of the Irish Wilderness in the Mark Twain National Forest, the giant wheel should be on the bucket list of any modern-day Ozark’s explorer.
A Forest Service picnic area is located nearby, with a trail that leads to the wheel. From Highway 19, take Forest Road 3152 for 6 miles, then take Forest Road 3190 for another 3 miles. It can also be reached at mile 22.3 on the Eleven Point River.
Falling Spring Mill
If you are looking for peace and tranquility, you will find it at this tiny mill hidden deep in the Mark Twain National Forest north of Alton and Greer Mill off highway 19.
Once a wooden flume carried water from a spring that shoots out of a hole in a limestone bluff to the overshot water wheel that powered the mill. It ground corn, ran a sawmill and even generated electricity for a time.
A small pond, the builder’s log cabin and the mill are all that is left of a once-thriving community.
Montauk Mill
Mills go back to 1834 at the Montauk Mill site. The current mill at Montauk State Park was built in 1896 and a total of 4 mills have operated on this site.
It was more common in the old days for fire to burn down the building.
Montauk Mill, a grist mill built in 1896, still stands today as a testament to the once-thriving community of Montauk. The mill was the last of four mills built to make use of the ideal waters of Montauk Spring. Much of the original machinery used to grind the grain is still intact.
Montauk Mill is located in Dent County in the Missouri Ozarks, south of highway 32 between Salem and Licking. Follow state highway 119 into Montauk State Park and the mill is by the fish hatchery on the south side of the road.
Klepzig Mill
Along Rocky Creek is a small turbine mill built by Walter Klepzig in 1928 –hence its name, Klepzig Mill. Walter, son of a Prussian German immigrant, was a progressive thinker. He was the first in the neighborhood to introduce both barbed and woven fence wire and a refined breed of milk cow. He sawed logs into boards for his house and out-buildings, and routinely saved “good boards” for use in building coffins for his neighbors. He frequently ground corn free for neighbors “on starvation,” i.e. those who could ill afford to leave him the customary toll of grain.
Klepzig Mill is a type of building referred to in the vernacular as a “sawmill house.” It was a building type that tended to replace log construction after the arrival of sawmills in a locale. A sawmill house could be erected quickly and by only one or two people. Instead of stud-wall framing, vertical planks were nailed to a hand-hewn sill at the bottom and a sawn two-by-four plate at the top. The resulting wall panels, fabricated flat on the ground, were then raised into place. Battens might then be added to cover the seams. Foundations were often piers of uncut and unmortared native stone.
Klepzig Mill is not much to look at with its various accouterments and modifications– cement spillway, scrap metal hinge from the hood of a Model “A” Ford truck, old corrugated iron roof. Still, it is in aspectacular setting, surrounded by the rhyolite rock of the “shut in” canyon made by Rocky Creek. It is a lasting testament to the hardships of every day life in the Ozarks in a time not so long ago.
It’s located not far from Rocky Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state, east of Winona.
Summersville Mill
Often overshadowed by its location just a few miles west of Alley Spring Mill, this mill still has much of its original equipment.
It was restored to its former glory as the centerpiece of a city park and has been used for a variety of events. This mill was powered by a steam engine that used water from the nearby pond.
During its busiest period it ran 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The mill dates to 1886 and was one of several built by the McCaskill family.
Summersville Mill is located in Summersville, Missouri in Texas County near the headwater of the National Scenic Riverways at the corner of highway 106 and Elm street on the east side of town. If you continue on highway 106 east for 13 miles, Alley Spring Mill is on the left before you get into the town of Eminence.
Licking Mill
In 1880 a small Ozarks town near buffao lick was nearly wiped out from a tornado. The rich ground and natural resources made this area an ideal location for a grist mill. During the rebuilding period after the tornado, a new gristmill was built by local business people. In 1882 Licking Mill was open for business.
Records indicate the mill experienced some type of fire during the early 1900’s, but survived another disaster. The mill was closed for business in 1973 because the current owners retired.
You can view Licking Mill in Texas County, Missouri by taking highway 63 to Highway 32 and turning into the town of Licking.
Go to the junction of highway 137 (main street), no north one block and turn on Old Mill Street and the mill will be in plain view standing three stories high and still in great shape for its age.
Paydown Mill
Paydown Mill sites near the Gasconade river on Mill Creek in Missouri’s norther Ozark region. According to records, food and supplies were supplied through the general store to troops during the Civil War. The original property owner was Peter Walter in 1829.
Paydown Mill is on highway 42, about 10 miles northeast of Vienna, Missouri in Maries County. The mill is on the east side of Gasconade River and the north side of highway 42. There is an old home, stone slave quarters, and other historic remnants across the highway, but on private property. The mill can easily be viewed from the road. [2h15m]
Eastern Ozarks
Bollinger Mill
Bollinger Mill is unique among Missouri mills in that the site also includes the oldest of Missouri’s four remaining covered bridges. It’s an impressive four-story structure made of brick and limestone.
Milling has gone on at the site since 1800 when the first log mill was constructed. A stone mill was built in 1825 but was burned by Union troops during the Civil War.
After the war, the present structure was built.
The mill and covered bridge form Bollinger Mill State Historic Site located west of Jackson in southeast Missouri. Link to official website. [161/3HR].
Dillard Mill
Dillard Mill is located in the largest lead mining district in the United States.
As with many of the remaining mills, Dillard Mill is hanging on with what is left of a ghost town, now turned state park and historic site.
The original mill on this site was built in the 1850’s. In the mid 188o’s a post office and other services came to the area.
The mill burned in the 1890’s and it was rebuilt again using timbers from the original building. Historic Site main website.
Reed Spring Mill
Visitors to Centerville, the county seat of Reynolds County, often pass through without knowing of the existence of this mill, which looks like a log cabin with a waterwheel attached.
I did this several times before researching this project.
The present mill is a reproduction of the old mill that was disassembled and shipped to San Francisco for the 1939 World’s Fair, then became part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection.
The mill once provided electricity in the days before Black River Electric Cooperative formed.
Borgmann Mill
Borgman Mill dates back to the 1840’s and is located in Defiance in the Daniel Boone historic site. Borgmann Mill is thought to be the oldest grist mill in the western United States. It is unique because power for the mill was generated by mules and oxen versus water. The animals were placed in a harness and then walked around in a circle transferring the power to the mill. [3.5hr]
Spring Mill
Spring Mill was originally built in 1867 in the eastern Arkansas Ozarks near Batesville. An interesting fact about this mill is that it was the very last water-powered grist mill working in the entire state.
The mill operated until 1976. You will get to see wooden gearwheels and hand-hewn log beams which is an amazing piece of craftsmanship to see in person.
It is rumored that Jesse James and his gang would stop at this mill for water and supplies. [1h45m] – Google Maps Link
Western Ozarks
Boxley Mill
The old Boxley Mill is in the historic Boxley Valley of the Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas. It opened in 1870 and operated until 1951.
Travel back in time to Boxley Valley Historic District to tour one of the earliest examples of industry in the Buffalo River Valley!
The historic Boxley Grist Mill was constructed in 1869 by Robert Villines to serve a growing agricultural community and opened in 1870.
While most grist mills were built on rivers and reliant on seasonal water supplies, the mill in Boxley used a mill pond created by impounding a nearby spring, so water was available year-round.
The mill was used for 80 years under three generations of Villines. At its peak, the milling capacity was about 200 pounds of meal per hour.
By the late 1950s, demand for meals began to decrease as store-bought bread became more popular. After the mill was damaged by a flood, Clyde Villines (the third-generation owner) shut down the mill.
After years of disrepair, the mill was eventually turned over to the National Parks Service and entered into the National Historic Register of Historic Places in 1975.
In 1984, the National Parks Service began restoring the old mill, but money is always tight, and restoration was not complete. However, the Gorgas Science Foundation saw the innovation in the mill and also helped to renovate it.
Today, the first-floor renovation is complete, and you can see an old pulley system, the old turbine, a couple of flour bins, the hopper where the mill was poured in before it was ground, and many bins that carried ingredients between floors.
The mill is preserved through a partnership between the Gorgas Science Foundation and the National Park Service.
War Eagle Mill
p72 [3.5hr]
Shoufner Mill
p75 [3hr 15m]
Jolly Mill
On the banks of Capps Creek sits this large mill that is part of a privately supported park. The mill once ground corn that was used for whiskey, giving rise to one theory on the name of the community called Jollification that sprang up around it. The mill was restored in 1998 and water-powered corn grinding returned. Since then, floodwaters have damaged the mill and the surrounding park, but friends of the mill held fundraisers to repair the damage. The park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week with a $5 per car donation.
p78 [2hr 45 min]
Ritchey Mill
p81 [2hr 45 min]
Hultston Mill
This mill, the last of the 10 that once existed in Dade County, was nearly lost to the rising waters of Stockton Lake. Instead, it was moved a mile to a peaceful location near Greenfield where it is the centerpiece of a 50-acre campground where many community events are held. The mill played an important role in the Civil War by supplying flour to hungry Union troops before the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. p84 [2 hr 30 min]
Wommack Mill
Unlike many Ozark mills, Wommack Mill is easy to access with its location near downtown Fair Grove. The stone-burr grist mill was built in 1883 and was powered by steam. Thanks to the efforts of the Fair Grove Historical and Preservation Society, the mill was restored and now serves as the focal point for the town’s annual Fall Festival set for Sept. 25-26, along with many weddings, reunions and other local events.
p87 [1 hr 50 min] North of Springfield.
COVERED BRIDGE LOCATIONS
Missouri once had an estimated 30 covered bridges spanning its rivers and creeks, serving as vital connections for travelers navigating the state’s rugged terrain. Today, only four of these historic structures remain, standing as enduring reminders of a bygone era and the ingenuity of early bridge builders.
Burfordville Covered Bridge – Constructed in 1858, this is Missouri’s oldest covered bridge. It is located in Burfordville and features a Howe-truss construction, a popular design for covered bridges in the 19th century due to its strength and efficiency. [link to park information]
Locust Creek Covered Bridge – Built in 1868, it is the longest of Missouri’s covered bridges at 151 feet. Located in Linn County, it played a significant role in the transportation network of its time. [link to park information]
Union Covered Bridge – Situated near Paris, Missouri, this bridge was completed in 1871. It is unique as the only remaining bridge in the state that features the Burr Arch Truss style, combining elements of both an arch and a truss. [link to park information]
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge – Constructed in 1872 in Jefferson County, this bridge is known for its picturesque setting and Howe-truss design. [link to park information]
Special Note & Information
Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site was temporarily closed on Dec. 24, 2024, to prepare for the bridge’s relocation to Pershing State Park. Locust Creek Covered Bridge currently spans a dry creek bed and is in danger of being damaged beyond repair if actions are not taken due to the instability of the watershed. To preserve one of the last four remaining covered bridges in Missouri, the bridge will be moved to Pershing State Park and be placed over water once again. The move to Pershing State Park, located at 29277 Highway 130 in Laclede, Missouri, is scheduled for the end of January to the first of February, depending on the weather. For more information, contact Pershing State Park at 660-963-2299 or click here to read the news release.
RESOURCES
Historic Mills by State PDF Downloads
