Manmade Structures
This page will feature manmade structures such as mills, dams, homesteads, etc. Many of these places are considered historic and are protected by the state. Missouri is home to numerous historic structures, both in the city and the countryside.
Hodgson Mill
Hodgson Mill was built around a large spring that protrudes from the bottom of a bluff before making it's way to Bryant Creek. The mill is the center of a brand of flour products. The original mill was built in 1837 and burnt down in 1861 due to the Civil War. The present day mill was built in 1882 More info can be found here.
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge was built in 1872 and is one of four remaining covered bridges in Missouri. More info can be found here.
Dillard Mill
Dillard Mill is located on the Huzzah River. The original mill had been built in 1853 and had burned down by 1895. The present day mill was completed in 1908, four years after construction had started. The mill features a turbine and was considered an innovation at the time More info can be found here.
Montauk Mill
Montauk Mill was completed in 1896 and housed extensive machinery that was used to fuel the nearby economy of Montauk. This mill is the third located in the valley, as the first two were flooded out. More info on the state park found here.
Greer Mill
This mill was the third located at the spring. In 1883, a mill was constructed on top of a hill located 1,140ft. above the Greer Spring Branch. The new mill on top of the hill allowed it to have easier access to those who needed to use it. The mill used a series of cables to bring power from the spring which was three quarters of a mile away.
Alley Spring Mill
Built in 1894, Alley Spring Mill is one of the most recognizable scenes in the Ozark region. The red mill is open for viewing between Memorial Day and the end of October. The mill was featured on the back of the Missouri quarter in 2017. The original mill that had occupied this site was built in 1868. More info can be found here.
Reeds Spring Mill
Reeds Spring Mill is technically on private property but the owner allows people to visit. The original mill was featured at the 1939 World's Fair and is now located in storage at the Smithsonian Museum. The original was built in 1881 and the replica that took it's place in 1973. For many years the original mill supplied the nearby town of Centerville with power.
Turner Mill
Although the mill no longer exists, the 25ft. diameter water wheel stands tall over the Turner Mill Spring Branch that flows into the Eleven Point River. The wheel was built in 1915. The town of Surprise Missouri was located around the mill, the post office operated out of the back of the mill. The mill was a four story building and was equiped with saws and woodworking equipment as well as grinders for corn and other feed.
Falling Spring Mill
This mill was built in 1929 and uses the power of Falling Spring, a 20ft. waterfall spring. The water was channelized and funneled through a raceway and turned the wheel. The mill, although small, was used for a variety of things such as sawing, grinding feed, and providing electricity. It is located on a homestead that was settled in 1851. It is now located within Mark Twain National Forest, more info can be found here.
Rockbridge Mill and Community
Rockbridge Mill is located within a small unincorporated community called Rockbridge Missouri. The post office has been active since 1842. The mill and village are very isolated in a valley that is only 650ft. wide that is 250ft. deeper than the ridges surrounding it on two sides. The present day mill was built in 1868 after the Civil War had ended.