White's Mill
This cache was placed by permission of the White's Mill
Foundation.
About The Mill
John Lewark constructed a water powered mill for Thomas Moffett
in the early 1790's. Located on the current site of White's Mill,
this early operation witnessed the influx of settlers traveling the
"Great Road" through Abingdon and westward. Forest land was cleared
for crop use resulting in an increased need for milling capacity.
So began the history of milling on the headwaters of Toole's Creek
in Washington County, Virginia.
Historical experts speculate that the present mill was built
late in the 1820's. The strongest evidence leading to this
conclusion is the lack of hand made (rose head nails) throughout
the mill. Prior to the invention of machinery to mass produce "cut
nails" all nails were made by the blacksmith which resulted in a
rose pattern on the hammered head; thus a clue that dates the
current building to post circa 1820's.
James White was a local merchant who was involved in salt
production (Saltville), lead mining (Austinville) and in iron ore
mining (Brumley Gap). County tax records show an increase in
accessed tax value between 1836 and 1838. Following James White's
death, his son W.Y.C. White continued to operate the mill until the
early 1900's. It was during this period the name White's Mill
originated.
Scott Miller purchased the Mill in 1922 and it remained in the
Miller family until 1989. Many of the features around the property
were constructed by Tom Miller. It should be noted that the mill
served as a Post Office and polling place up until the early
1940's. Tom's son Guy operated the mill as a tourist attraction
with trout ponds for 20 years. In addition, Guy Miller continued to
custom grind corn and livestock feed. Following his death in 1989,
the mill was sold to ownership outside the area. After 1989 it
operated on a limited basis until 1999 during which time its upkeep
and condition declined severely.
In March 2001 the White's Mill Foundation purchased the mill and
surrounding property. The Foundation is currently engaged in a
large restoration of the mill.
Over the years, many, many changes and renovations have been
made. The four-story, 5,000 square foot timber frame structure is
an historic example of milling and the evolution of milling
equipment.
The White's Mill is on both the National and Virginia register
of Historic Places. The mill was listed on the National Register in
1974.
For more information about the Mill please visit the web site:
http://www.whitesmill.org/
About The Cache
Note: As of July 20, 2010, the
cache has been replaced witth a small lock-n-lock. It is camo-taped
and measures about 5 inches by 8 inches. Hopefully, this one stays
waterproof and the log will remain dry. Bring your camera, tour the
Mill, visit the Mercantile and find the two Mill caches. Enjoy!