Welcome to White's Mill!
White's Mill has long served the neighboring community. Since the late 18th century, the mill provided meal and flour for the farm and kitchen, as well as a gathering place for sharing news and views. The Mercantile, formerly the Cumbow Store, provided those store-bought essentials and extras that any home needs.
When White's Mill began milling grain with its overshot wheel, waterpower provided the only stable mechanized energy. Over the years, improvements in technology were added, progressing with the times to provide for local needs. Visitors to the mill can see the old equipment, as well as contemporary upgrades.
White's Mill Foundation
P.O. Box 63
Abingdon, VA 24212
Mill & Mercantile phone:
(276) 628-2960
Email:
info@whitesmill.org
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed January and February.
The Virginia and National Registries of Historic Places listed White's Mill in 1974, recognizing the importance of its structure and heritage. White's Mill continued water-powered milling until 1989. The decade at the end of the twentieth century saw it out of service until the White's Mill Foundation formed and purchased the property in 2001. Now, along with work on renovating the mill, the White's Mill Foundation hosts various community events, including the annual Harvest Days in October, when one can enjoy music, fishing and food along the old millstream.
Visit the Mercantile while you're at White's Mill. You can find:
- handmade quilts, fabric art, and wall decorations
- artwork of various styles depicting White's Mill and the southern Appalachian region
- books of Appalachian writing
- CDs of local and regional music
- much, much more from over 100 local artisans
Where else can you refresh yourself with a cold root beer and a Moon Pie?
Come to White's Mill, where history and community meet.
White's Mill Foundation
The White's Mill Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, was organized in 1999 with the mission to purchase, preserve and protect White's Mill.
The purchase of the mill, miller's house and country store was completed in March 2001. Funds were received from the Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources, Washington County, the Town of Abingdon, local businesses and other sources in the private sector.
Careful restoration, curator-style preservation, and responsible management of the mill building and equipment will make White's Mill operable and protected for future generations. The mill is an educational tool as well as a museum. The White's Mill Foundation's vision is to enable the local community to share its historic assets, culture, traditions and environment with visitors to the area and new generations of residents.
The White's Mill master plan for renovation was developed in 2001. The first phase of renovation, which included reconstruction of the lower levels of the wooden structure around the foundation, was completed in 2006. The next phase, which will include reconstruction of the water wheel and millrace, began in early 2007. Future improvements include a small park to include a performance area, a walking trail along the creek and improved convenience facilities.
White's Mill Foundation Community Events
July 28-August 14
Virginia Highlands Festival
Open Daily
September 10-15
Washington County Fair
White’s Mill Cow Chip Bingo
October 6
White's Mill Annual Harvest Day
Fishing Rodeo, Toole's Creek Rubber Duck Race,
Silent Auction and more!
October fundraiser at the new
Harvest Table Restaurant -
in Meadowview - date TBD
Watch this space for more information about our Fall events in 2007.