Mill Springs Mill
The Mill Springs Mill, located off Kentucky Route 90 at Mill Springs in Wayne County, Kentucky, is a historic watermill built in 1877. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.[1] It is the centerpiece of Mill Springs Park. It is located on a descent to the Cumberland River. The springs uphill from the site were reportedly discovered by pioneer Daniel Boone, who suggested the site would be a good location for a mill.[2] The mill is a three-story frame building upon a 20 feet (6.1 m) basement, 40 by 40 feet (12 m × 12 m) in plan, supported by large stone columns. Its 1972 NRHP documentation states: "When the present structure was erected in 1877, a wooden wheel of 28 feet height was installed. When it was sold in 1907, the 28 foot wheel was removed and the present 40 foot high, 3 feet in breadth, wheel was installed."[3] It goes on to state that "The site includes the actual mill, the numerous springs and a small area which has been converted into a small roadside park. There is also a small frame building, formerly used as a granary, which is presently used by the Monticello Woman's Club as a gift shop."[3] It was deemed "important because of its historical role in the local commercial trade; in the fields of industry and engineering because of the unusual 40 foot wheel."[3] The mill was restored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1976.[4] The site is open on weekends, seasonally, for visitors to tour and see corn being ground.[5] References
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