Pontiac in Livingston County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mill Stones

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

1. Mill Stones Marker

Inscription. Pontiac would not have become the successful city it now is without the presence of the early mills which ground grain, sawed lumber, and manufactured wool for the settlers of the area. The earliest mill was built on the bank of the Vermilion River in 1838. Over the years, five other mills operated in the city, and prior to 1900, most were powered by paddlewheels and the rushing waters of the river.

By 1918, electricity powered the last remaining mill. The two mill stones you see here were removed from the Williams Grist Mill, located at southeast corner of Mill and Water Streets (150 feet south of this location). The Williams Mill was heavily damaged by fire in 1955 and was finally demolished in 1957.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 40° 52.724′ N, 88° 37.759′ W. Marker is in Pontiac, Illinois, in Livingston County. Marker is on West Water Street east of North Mill Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 W Water St, Pontiac IL 61764, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Riverbank Debate (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln Slept Here (within shouting distance of this marker); County Seat Almost Moved

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); W. W. I War Memorial - Livingston County Illinois (about 300 feet away); W. W. II War Memorial - Livingston County Illinois (about 400 feet away); Pontiac (about 400 feet away); Desert Storm - War Memorial (about 500 feet away); Livingston County War Memorial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontiac.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

2. Mill Stones Marker

Livingston County Courthouse is in the background.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

3. Mill Stones Marker

Close up of mill stones

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 28, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.