Near Natchez in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Oakland Grist Mill

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

1. Oakland Grist Mill Marker

Inscription. What is it? The grist mill was used to grind corn into cornmeal and grits. This type of mill was considered obsolete by the early 1900s.

How does it work? A steam or gasoline engine was connected to the mill by a large drive belt. Corn was fed into the mill through a feeder or hopper at the top, with two rotating mill stones then grinding the corn. A wheel at the base of the mill controlled the fineness of the grind. The ground corn was dispensed through a tin spout on the side.

The Oakland grist mill was manufactured by HDC of New Orleans, Louisiana, probably in the late 1800s. The mill was in very poor condition before receiving conservation treatment in 2018.

Erected by Cane River Creole National Historical Park, National Park Service, US. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 2018.

Location. 31° 39.887′ N, 93° 0.216′ W. Marker is near Natchez, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It is on State Highway 494 near State Highway 119. The marker is located on the grounds of the Oakland Plantation (Cane River Creole National Historic Park). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4386 LA-494, Natchez LA 71456, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Corn Crib (here, next to this marker); A French Connection (within shouting distance of this marker); Hollywood Comes to Oakland Plantation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Meet "Natchez" the Oakland Mule (about 300 feet away); Middleman to Yardman (about 300 feet away); Maker of Most Things Wood (about 300 feet away); Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863-1864 (about 300 feet away); The Helaire Family of Oakland / The Shields Family of Oakland (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchez.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

2. Oakland Grist Mill Marker

Photographed by James Hulse, December 18, 2025

3. Oakland Grist Mill Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.