Mill Details

Old Downing Mill

Calhoun Co. | Alabama | USA
Known Dates: 1839
Township: u/k
Watersource: Choccolocco Creek.
Location / Directions

Old Downing Mill

Eight miles east of Sh 21 at Oxford, Alabama, turn left off US 78 onto Riddle Farm Road, go to "T", turn left on Old Downing Mill Road. The mill is 1/4 mile on right.




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Verse for Thought
"Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For this is Your rightful due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You."
({Jeremiah 10:7 NKJV})
Old Downing Mill
Joe Porter 10/18/2005

The 4 bay, 2 story frame grist mill was built in 1839 along the Choccolocco Creek in then Benton County, Alabama. Not certain who built the mill, but Peter Heifner bought 1,000 acres in 1840 extending from Choccolocco Cr. on US 78 back to the mountains. The mill is quite possibly on this section of land. His desendants, Rhodes, Heifners and Riddles still live in the this White Hall area.

Old Downing Mill
Joe Porter 10/18/2005

The mill sits on 3 acres along Choccolocco Creek. Choccolocco is an Indian word, chahko- meaning "shoals", and lago meaning "big" or a shallow creek with big shoals.

Old Downing Mill
Joe Porter 10/18/2005

A kitchen, foyer, a bath, dining room and living room with fireplace on the first floor, there are 4 bedrooms and a bath on the second floor, and office, library & fireplace, and half bath on the third floor. A total of 3,000 sq.ft. inside , with railed deck on three sides and a gazebo, play apparatus with plenty of parking.

Old Downing Mill
Joe Porter 10/18/2005

The Choccolocco Creek can be seen behind the mill converted to a residence. The mill is for sale, there having been only about three owners since it was a working grist mill.

Old Downing Mill
Joe Porter 10/18/2005

*Photos & some info courtesy of Joe Porter 10/18/2005*GPS: 33D 38.64'N, 85D 41.69'W ele 676'/206 meters Anniston Quadrangle

 
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