Rice 18th Century Grist Mill

Rice 18th Century Grist Mill. . Originally constructed along Lost Creek, Union County, this mill was built by James Rice. After migrating from North Carolina to Sharp’s Station in 1790, “Uncle Jim” and his sons completed construction of the grist mill in the autumn of 1798., The mill house was a two-story log structure with a wood shake roof. The wooden water wheel is of the overshot design, meaning water was channeled to the top of the wheel and allowed to pour over it in order to turn the wheel. All the internal gears were carved from hickory. The main water wheel shaft is believed to have been hewn from a yellow poplar tree. The mill stones are original, said to have been imported from France, having been used as ballast stones on their voyage from abroad. , The mill has endured several changes throughout its history. At times, the mill was also rigged to power a sawmill, a cotton gin, a trip hammer, and even to operate a dynamo that supplied electric lights for the mill and Rice home in 1899. A severe storm in 1874 damaged the original millhouse and wooden mechanisms. In 1879, the two-story frame millhouse was constructed with cogwheels carved from “choice” hickory and the main shaft again made from yellow poplar. During the 1890’s the shaft was replaced, but this time with one made from a white oak tree. This lasted for fifty years until it was replaced with one of steel by TVA. , Four generations of the Rice Family operated this grist mill beginning with James “Uncle Jim” Rice, from 1798 until his death in 1829. Eldest son George operated the mill until 1868, when he gave it to his eldest, Henry. In 1888, Henry gave the mill to his eldest, Rufus “Uncle Rufe” Rice. “Uncle Rufe” operated the family mill until 1935 when TVA purchased their land which was to be flooded upon completion of Norris Dam. The Rices relocated to a farm in Blount County, Tennessee. The Civilian Conservation Crops and National Park Service carefully labeled each piece of the wooden mechanism, disassembled the mill, and reassembled much of the structure at its present site. TVA donated the mill and adjoining land to the Tennessee Department of Conservation in 1953.