Monday, August 31, 2020

Visiting Mingus Mills in Great Smoky Mountain National Park


Mingus Mills is a historical site located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that showcases the intricate history of the early settlers in the Smoky Mountains. A visit to Mingus Mills is a step back in time, where visitors can witness the remnants of a bygone era and learn about the day-to-day life of the early settlers.

Historic Mingus Mill build in 1886, was restored by the National Park Service and is currently a functioning mill. The mill is just outside of Cherokee NC and a short easy walk from the parking lot. In 1886 most people in the area lived on farms, growing their own food. Regular trips to the mill were required because of the shelf life of the processed food. The Mill was a local gathering place where neighbors met and socialized while waiting for their grain to be processed. The Miller kept a portion of the grain processed as payment for the milling. Located in the Cherokee Orchard area of the park, the mill was powered by a water wheel that was fed by a nearby stream, and it was in operation until the early 1900s.

Visitors to Mingus Mills can take a self-guided tour of the site, which includes a brief history of the mill and the surrounding area. The mill is surrounded by a beautiful, tranquil stream that is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking. The area around the mill is shaded by tall trees and is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.

One of the most unique features of Mingus Mills is the water wheel, which is still intact and in working condition. Visitors can see how the water wheel was used to power the mill and learn about the technology that was used to grind the grain. The wheel is also a popular spot for taking pictures, as it provides a beautiful backdrop for photos.

The interior of the mill is just as fascinating as the exterior. Visitors can explore the mill's grinding room, where the grain was processed, and see the huge grinding stones that were used to turn the grain into flour. The mill also features a small museum that showcases various tools and artifacts that were used by the early settlers.

In conclusion, a visit to Mingus Mills is a must-see for anyone who loves history and wants to learn more about the early settlers in the Smoky Mountains. The mill provides a fascinating glimpse into the past and is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the early settlers. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Mingus Mills is a truly unique and captivating place that is worth a visit.


 Historical site, Self-guided tour, Water wheel, Fishing, Picnicking, Tranquil stream, Nature, Grinding room, Grinding stones, Flour, Museum, Tools, Artifacts, Ingenuity, Resourcefulness, History buff, Peaceful escape, Captivating place, Unique, Worth a visit.


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