Below are some pictures I took from an old mill in southwest Virginia.  The tools were still in place as if the workers were at lunch.  The owner of the mill wishes to remain anonymous, so I can share only limited information,

In 1864, laborers moved the mill 2.9 miles from its original site to its current location. Although both locations were on the same creek, there wasn’t enough grade at the original site to sufficiently power the operation. During the move, the owners upgraded the mill by adding a third floor and installing an overshot wheel.

The mill was used to process bleached flour. Millers used two different types of stones to grind the flour; one stone for human consumption, the other for animals. Apparently the entire three-story mill shook when in operation. The mill was commercially operated through the 1960s. The previous owners of the mill operated it once a year up until the late 90s, using a tractor instead of the force of water to turn the mill’s gears.

The entrance

Gears to transfer energy from wheel to pulley.

Scraps against the back wall of the first floor

Looking in the office that contained a cot, wood stove, desk, and chair.

The office

Stones for grinding flour

Pulleys and stones from the other direction.

Stairs to the 3rd floor.

Storage bins on the 2nd floor.

Perhaps another part of the sifter? It appears to be a device that vibrates. The snakes like shedding their skins on the prickly surface. Some of the skins measured over six feet long and five inches wide.

View of the creek from the 3rd floor.

Old wheelchair

Working my way back down to the 2nd floor.

Barrels, stoves, and stones.