Grist Mills

Early grist mills often used water power to grind grains into flour

Mabry Mill, photo by Ken Christison

or meal. A large water wheel turned, generating the power to turn cogs and stones to grind the grains. There was also a simpler, more direct method, without cogs, that was used in the small, home grist mills that dotted remote areas, like the Appalachians. The history of such mills go back into medieval European history. The Doomsday Report from 1086, reports about one water-driven grist mill for each 300 residents in England.

Cornmeal was the most common product in America, because corn grew in more regions than wheat, but flour was often preferred. Other grains, like buckwheat and rye, could also be used.


In Cleared for Planting, Edgar's uncle owns a grist mill in the Meat Camp area. In order to earn some money and save to buy land to farm, Edgar goes there to work in the fall, after all the crops are in. because that's when their

Mill cog at Bost Grist Mill 

milling business is the heaviest. 

There are still gristmills scattered about today, and some of them operate as a tourist attraction, allowing you to buy products from the mill. Look in your area and see if there are any available, so you can enjoy a taste of an earlier time.

Bost Mill in Cabarrus County, NC