Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Swain County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Sorghum Mill and Furnace

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 19, 2008

1. Sorghum Mill and Furnace Marker

Farmers used Horses, mules, or oxen to power sorghum mills.

Inscription. Sorghum cane, a corp grown on many mountain farms, was used to produce sorghum molasses. The cane fed between the rollers of the animal-powered cane mill, which squeezed out the juice.The juice was then boiled over the furnace until it turned into thick,dark,stringy molasses.Ten gallons of juice yielded about one gallon of molasses."Long sweetening,"as it was called,was used in dozens of recipes and as syrup.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 35° 30.733′ N, 83° 18.26′ W. Marker is in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina, in Swain County. Marker is on Route 441, half a mile Blue Ridge Parkway. Marker is at Mountain Farm Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cherokee NC 28719, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Broomcorn (here, next to this marker); Sorghum Cane (a few steps from this marker); Corn Cribs (within shouting distance of this marker); Springhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Hogs (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Apple House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Meathouse (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2012

2. Sorghum Mill and Furnace Marker

The marker is seen here near the mill and furnace.

Sorghum Furnace image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 19, 2008

3. Sorghum Furnace

Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 6, 2021

4. Sorghum Mill and Furnace Marker

Sorghum Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 19, 2008

5. Sorghum Mill

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 19, 2008

6. Sorghum Furnace

Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2008, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,816 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 22, 2008, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 2. submitted on August 29, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on October 22, 2008, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 4. submitted on January 17, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 5, 6. submitted on October 22, 2008, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.