Clifton in Bosque County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Clifton Mill
Kemp's Mill supplied flour and cornmeal to Texas frontier settlements. Ox carts hauling the flour and meal traveled in groups to places like Brownwood, Camp San Saba or Forts Concho, McKavett, Mason, Griffin and Chadbourne. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, U.S. Senator and former Governor of Texas Richard Coke had an interest in the mill. He and his partners sold their interest in 1883.
From 1890 to 1901, the mill operated under the name of Clifton Steam and Water. Renovations during this time added to its picturesque quality, including a third story above the unusual S-curve Mansard roof, as well as a cupola housing the grain elevator.
The water powered mill had an auxiliary steam plant for power during low stages of the river and dry seasons. In 1909, the Clifton Electric Light Company purchased the mill and converted it to an electric power plant, but they sold it in 1911. The mill sat vacant until it was purchased and demolished in 1915. The city of Clifton bought the site in the 1960s.
Despite its demolition in the early 20th century, the mill building survives in memory and photographs. Here, early settlers used the power of the river to feed and fuel Texas burgeoning frontier.
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12984.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 31° 47.676′ N, 97° 34.557′ W. Marker is in Clifton, Texas, in Bosque County. Marker is on County Highway 3112, 0.2 miles north of Bosque County Road, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located between the river and the road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clifton TX 76634, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Clifton Whipple Truss Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); Joseph Olson Family Log Cabin (approx. 1.4 miles away); Site of Clifton Lutheran College (approx. 1.4 miles away); Joseph Olson Family Cabin (approx. 1.4 miles away); Clifton College Administration Building (approx. 1.4 miles away); Election Oak (approx. 5 miles away); Gary Cemetery (approx. 5 miles away); Lanes Chapel and Cemetery (approx. 8.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clifton.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 80 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 1, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.