Who we are
The White's Mill Foundation is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization based in Abingdon, Virginia. Established in 1999, its mission is to purchase, preserve, and protect White's Mill—a historic grist mill dating back to the 1790s. The foundation focuses on restoration, education, community events, and hands-on experiences to keep this treasured piece of Appalachian heritage alive for future generations.
Through restoration efforts, the foundation has worked to maintain the structural integrity and historical authenticity of the mill. Visitors can explore the mill, learn about its history, and participate in community events aimed at celebrating and preserving the region's heritage.
The foundation encourages public involvement through donations, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs. By engaging the community, the White's Mill Foundation ensures that the mill remains a living testament to the area's cultural and historical legacy.
For more information or to get involved, you can visit their official website: whitesmill.org.
From the Past to the Present
The Restoration History
The purchase of the mill, miller’s house, and the country store were 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.
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 Preservation
The White’s Mill Foundation was formed in 1999. Two years later, the foundation had enough funding to purchase the mill. In 2005, new beams were installed to repair its foundation.
A complete renovation to the outside structure including a new roof, siding, windows and major structural work to the hurst frame and south wall.
It’s taken a couple of decades to save White’s Mill from ruin along the banks of Toole Creek.
The mill is a rarity among similar structures today. In 1950, Washington County boasted 35 mills, but that number dwindled to about 17 in 1975. Today, only a handful of mills are still standing in Washington County, and White’s Mill is the only one still operating and open for visitors.
The White’s Mill Foundation was formed in 1999. Two years later, the foundation had enough funding to purchase the mill. In 2005, new beams were installed to repair its foundation.
Once the building was made structurally sound, we cleaned out the raceway that carries the water from the creek, and rebuilt the wooden flume that takes the water to the wheel.
Rebuilding the gearing and cornstone was next, so that corn can be ground with water power again.
Some visitors say they preferred the old, weathered look of the mill, but the restoration aimed to return it as closely as possible to how it looked in the 1790s. The exterior may appear newer now, but that reflects its original form when first built. Inside, much of the historic machinery and structure remain—the same beams, gears, and millstones that served early settlers are still in place. The outside may look young again, but the soul of the mill is just as old as ever.
Contact us
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