War Eagle Mill a Real Working Mill

War Eagle MillPhoto bywww.arkansas.com

War Eagle Mill a Real Working Mill

In 1832 young pioneer Sylvanus Blackburn and his young bride Catherine left his family farm in Tennessee to seek out a new home of their own. They struck out heading west and found the perfect location to call their own on War Eagle Creek, in Northwest Arkansas.

Sylvanus selected a area to build a new home for his family. He chose a plot of land on a hill overlooking War Eagle Creek and collected lumber from the surrounding forest.

Sylvanus and Catherine establish the homestead and farm. When they planted corn in the lush creek bottoms, they realized that the closest mill to grind their corn was over 25 miles away. The need for milling corn led to the decision to build a mill themselves and War Eagle Creek was a perfect location. Soon the surrounding community used the new mill to grind their own corn.

In 1848 a devastating flood hit the area and the mill was washed downstream. During the Civil War the rebuilt mill was lost again, this time to fire. Again in 1924 the mill burned down.

The mill exists today because in 1973 the Jewel family became intrigued by the history of the mill. The Jewels found a set of blueprints for the mill, and it was rebuilt for a fourth time. At this time, it is possibly the only undershot water wheel in operation in United States.

War EaglePhoto byJustina Price

The mill and War Eagle Creek draw thousands of visitors each year. Besides visiting the beautiful grounds, visitors can purchase organic products such as flours, soup mixes, and other gift shop for souvenirs or enjoy the mill restaurant. The third floor offers fantastic views of War Eagle Creek and the surrounding areas.

War Eagle Mill - Stone Ground Organic Flour, Corn Meal, Cereals