War Eagle Mill facts for kids
The War Eagle Mill is a special working gristmill located in Benton County, Arkansas. A gristmill is a place where grain, like corn or wheat, is ground into flour. This mill has a long history, with a mill standing on this spot since 1832. However, it was destroyed three times before being rebuilt for the last time in 1973. Today, the mill still grinds grain using a water wheel. It also has a store and a restaurant for visitors. You can find the mill about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Rogers, in a small community called War Eagle, Arkansas.
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The First Mills: A Story of Rebuilding
The First War Eagle Mill (1832-1848)
In 1832, a family named Sylvanus and Cathryn Blackburn moved to the beautiful War Eagle Valley. They built the very first mill right next to War Eagle Creek. This mill helped the local community by grinding their grains. But in 1848, a big flood hit the area. The powerful water pushed the mill into the river, washing it away completely.
The Second War Eagle Mill (1848-1862)
Even though their first mill was destroyed, the Blackburn family didn't give up! They rebuilt the mill and made it even bigger. This time, they added a sawmill, which is a place that cuts logs into lumber. Their business grew as more people moved into the area.
However, a big change was coming: the American Civil War started. People in northwest Arkansas were caught between the two sides. The Blackburns' five sons joined the Confederate Army. The rest of the family moved to Texas for safety, returning four years later.
In 1862, the Union Army came into northern Arkansas and used the mill to grind their grain. Later, when the Confederate Army moved into the area, the Union soldiers gathered near Pea Ridge, Arkansas. Confederate soldiers used the mill for two days. But then, to stop the Union Army from using it again, they burned the mill down. After the Battle of Pea Ridge, the area was left in ruins, and many families had to leave their homes.
The Third War Eagle Mill (1873-1924)
After the Civil War ended in 1865, the Blackburn family returned. They found only their house still standing. Sylvanus' son, James Austin Cameron (J.A.C.) Blackburn, decided to rebuild the mill once more. By 1873, the third mill was ready!
J.A.C. wanted to make the mill even better. He added a more powerful grinding machine that used a turbine engine instead of a traditional water wheel. Their sawmill became very famous, said to be the largest in Arkansas. Because of this, J.A.C. was known as the "Lumber King" of northwest Arkansas. The lumber cut at the War Eagle sawmill was used to build many parts of Fayetteville, Arkansas, including a famous building called Old Main at the University of Arkansas.
Later, J.A.C. Blackburn was elected to the Arkansas Senate. He sold the mill to the Kilgore family. They ran the mill until 1924, when it sadly burned down again. Only the foundation and some parts of the building were left.
The Mill Today: A Living Piece of History
In 1973, Jewel Medlin bought the property where the mill once stood. His wife, Leta, and daughter, Zoe Medlin Caywood, found old blueprints. They decided to rebuild the mill for the fourth time! They changed the design a little to bring back the old-fashioned undershot water wheel, which had been used over 100 years before.
Today, War Eagle Mill is the only working watermill in Arkansas. It is powered by a large 18-foot cypress water wheel. The mill grinds organic (natural) grains, cereals, and flour. These products are then sold right there at the mill. It's a great place to visit and see history in action!
Images for kids
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1860 photo of the second mill, with sawmill addition
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The third mill, which existed from 1873 to 1924, seen here in 1920.
