Estes Mill / Woodward Mill
Rappahanock Co. | Virginia | USA
Watersource: Thorton Creek.
Estes Mill / Woodward Mill
Located on the south side of US 211 just west of Sperryville, less than one mile, on Estes Mill Road/CR 667. From Sperryville go west on US 211 a short distance to Estes Mill Road on the left. Turn left, cross the bridge over Thornton River, then turn right on Josh Ben Lane. The mill is immediately on the left.
Mill is one story limestone and 1.5 stories frame.
The spur gears (U.S.N.M number 310538, photograph number 31705A) are each 24 inches, 38 tooth gears, made up of two solid oak disks held together with iron bands riveted over hand-cut square washers. The teeth are of black locust held between the disks and secured with wooden pegs.
Photos of the 1800 grist mill. Submitted by Ted Hazen.
The sign indicates the mill was also known as the Estes Mill, perhaps from a later or the current owner.
Photo of the overshot water wheel. Sumitted by Ted Hazen.
The mill has a not-so-common gambrel roof style. The Wheel was mounted on the brushy end as can be seen from the vintage photos.
The cogwheels (U.S.N.M. number 310539, photograph number 31705B) are a pair of one 18 inch, 20 tooth wheel and one 10 inch, 11 tooth wheel. The disks are red oak, held together with black locust dowels spread with yellow pine wedges. The teeth are dogwood, secured by black locust pegs, which bear on hickory plugs.
The overshot water wheel has been removed and other milling machinery's condition or presence is unknown.
Gristmill on the road to Skyline Drive, 1944. Submitted by Ted Hazen 2010.
Millstones inside the gristmill on the road to Skyline Drive, 1944. Submitted by Ted Hazen 2010.