FRANCIS MILL - WAYNESVILLE NC

FRANCIS MILL

Located in the Francis Cove community of Haywood County, stands the historic Francis Mill.  The restored mill faces NC 276 just outside of Waynesville, North Carolina.  Built in 1887 by William Francis, the mill is still owned by his descendants.

 

circa 1900

The original 24 foot diameter water wheel was made of yellow poplar.  It was replaced in 1914 by a metal wheel.  The mill was in the center of a square mile of land given to William Francis as a dowry when he married Polly Almon, daughter of wealthy western North Carolina landowner Gideon Almon.

The mill was entered into the National Historical Registry in 2013 and now is the site of many local events.  The mill operated into the 1950's.  

http://www.francismill.org/