Today, The Old Mill attracts thousands of visitors every year and stands on the National Register of Historic Places. The Old Mill also grinds it’s own grains for the homemade artisan style bread that the Café & Grill serve daily. From hushpuppies to biscuits, the classically made flour gives the dishes at the restaurant a special touch. The mill grinds products that are still used in many of the Old Mill’s famous dinner dishes. Surprisingly, the historical mill is fully operational to this day.
#Old mill pigeon forge generator#
After a generator was installed in the early 1900’s, the Mill became and even more important part of citizen’s daily lives. Until 1935, the Mill even supplied electricity to the residents of Pigeon Forge. A system of pulleys and belts modifies the river’s power to operate the grain wheels and elevators. The mill harnesses the powerful water flow of Little Pigeon River with the large and often photographed water wheel.
The internal workings of the mill and impressive in both size and weight – the one ton granite stones grind 1,000 pounds of grain each and every day. The mill was to be used to grind grain and flour for the early settlers to purchase and trade. In 1830 Love set off on a new adventure – building a large gristmill adjacent to the iron furnace.
Lewis’ son-in-law, Isaac Love, constructed the famous iron forge which bears the city’s name in 1817. Lewis was a Revolutionary War veteran from Virginia who received the land as a grant. The ground the mill stands upon was originally part of a 151 acre plot of land that Mordecai Lewis received in 1810. Plan a day to visit this popular destination and explore all the shops, food, and fun it has to offer Learn more about The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, then start planning your visit. Check out the history of the Mill below and you will never look at the restaurant the same way again! The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge is a must-stop when you’re in the Smoky Mountains. But did you know it was also one of the first big businesses in Pigeon Forge when it was built in the early 1800’s? The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge offers a rich history and interesting background. You know The Old Mill is a Pigeon Forge staple for delicious, country-style food and handmade pottery.