Mingus Mill is one of the many historic structures preserved and maintained in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
In the Nineteenth Century, the center of industry in rural America was the grist mill. These marvels of physics harvested natural forces, usually water, to convert grain to usable meal or flour.
Mingus Mill, which was constructed in 1886, utilized state-of-the-art turbine technology to power its machinery. Water was directed down a millrace to propel the turbine which was connected to a series of cogs and belts that would power the entire operation of the mill.
Typically, in a cash poor society, the miller would simply charge a “toll” by keeping a percentage of the finished product. Ten percent was the generally accepted fee paid for the convenience of having the grain processed and bagged.
As a result, owner and investors in mills were among the wealthiest citizens of a community. It was a very profitable business for those that could procure the capital needed for construction.
Mingus Mill is located on the Newfound Gap Road about a mile north of the Oconaluftee Vistor’s Center near Cherokee North Carolina. It’s a one hundred and twenty-four year step back into history that is just a few miles from 2010 civilization!
All photos courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com
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Richard, what a wonderful place, you captured it so well with your photos. I love to visit places like this, stepping back in time is one of my favorite things to do.
But how in the world do you SAY that? Oconaluftee
Richard, Your pictures are extraordinary. The idea of looking through a window or from under a wooden structure is excellent. Thank you for those pictures.
Really neat pictures Richard. The Smoky Mountains hold an awful lot of history...
Hi Richard! It is very cool that you have posted this photo.......exactlly nine years ago I was honeymooning in the Smokies and although we weren't in this part of North Carolina, the photo reminds me of some of the buildings we saw.
I love old mills! The technology from days long gone never ceases to amaze me! One of my all time favorite spots in GA was always Nora Mill.
A little bit of history and a lot of beauty. Gorgeous area and just proves up why North Carolina is one of the prettiest states to live.
Simply beautiful localism post Richard. The pictures look like they are Currier and Ives prints. You caught the pictures before the leaves were gone---really smart. Very nice piece of history.
Richard...Neat Stuff, I grew up near a water-wheel mill it was beside the Wayside Inn where George Washington stayed during the early part of the war against the British...in fact my home town was giving the Zip code designation of 01776. Here is a shot of the old Grist mill.
Richard, when life was simpler and people harnessed available power to get their tasks done. We don't have any mills left up here but there are still some water wheels around.
Your trip was so worth it, Richard. These are just gorgeous. I wanted to say I love the window reflection but the first one is so awesome, too!
Yes indeed, a bartering economy... I'm so fascinated by the technology of those old Mills. I love all the wheels and belts and pulleys...
Our class went to an historic mill on a field trip when I was a kid and have been fascinated from them ever since. Great picture.
Howdy and morning to you Richard
Richard, I have always enjoyed Historic Structures and sites. There sure are a lot of mighty fine one all over the Grand State of Georgia. You sure have gave us some mighty fine photos to set our eyes upon.
Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire
The Smokies are beautiful and as we move closer to winter the roads in and out of their along with the campgrounds, begin to close. Imazing that the weather gets that bad...or maybe it is the drivers, that they need to close down the roads.
Hi Andrea....
Oh-kona-luft-tee! It's the settlers interpretation of the Cherokee word Egwonulti which me "beside" as in "beside the river." Thanks for the comment.
Deanne...
I find myself always looking for these shots. Thanks for noticing!
Michael...
Indeed they do. That's why I love to go there.Thanks.
Ann...
Let me guess ... Pigeon Forge Tennessee? Lol and thanks.
Susan...
Nora Mill is still in Helen and completely operational! I have some photos here ...somewhere! THX
Richard, I have always enjoyed how you pair nature photos with your blog. You have such a knack for nature photography. The work you do is always beautiful and very enjoyable. Although, I must ask how you keep your ties so clean. :-)
Interesting how times and technology change Richard. Thanks for the great pictures and the memories.