Metamora in Franklin County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Metamora Grist Mill
Photographed By Craig Doda, September 21, 2019
1. Metamora Grist Mill Marker
In 1845, Jonathan Banes built a three-story frame cotton mill, known as Metamora Cotton Factory, on this site. Banes, a former contractor on the canal, converted the cotton factory to a flouring mill in 1856, and sold the mill to John Curry in 1857.
Over the next several years the mill was operated by various owners and was known first as Hoosier Mills and later as Crescent Mills. The original mill was destroyed by a fire in 1899 and was rebuilt in 1900. Following a second fire in 1932, it was converted to the present two-story brick building.
In 1946, the State of Indiana purchased a 14-mile section of the Whitewater Canal, including the mill, as a state historic site.
Today the mill grinds both white and yellow corn into corn meal and grits, and wheat into whole wheat flour and cereal. The millstones are powered by the 12-foot breast water wheel in the canal behind the mill.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.
Location. 39° 26.811′ N, 85° 8.186′ W. Marker is in Metamora, Indiana, in Franklin County. Marker is on Main Street (a.k.a. Pennington Road) west of Banes Street, on the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Harnessing the Power of Water (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Wheel & Lock #25 (within shouting distance of this marker); Passenger Pigeon Extinction (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carriage House (within shouting distance of this marker); Ben Franklin III (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jonathan Banes House (about 400 feet away); Canal Front Dry Goods Store (about 400 feet away); Odd Fellows Hall (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metamora.
Also see . . . Historic Metamora - Indiana's Canal Town. Town website homepage (Submitted on August 23, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Courtesy:: Visit Indiana, August 15, 2009
2. Metamora Grist Mill
The marker can be seen on the brick wall behind the people sitting under the 'over-hang' at the Grist Mill - picnic tables.
Photographed By Craig Doda, September 21, 2019
3. Metamora Grist Mill Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,139 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 20, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 2. submitted on July 23, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 3. submitted on December 20, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
