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War Eagle Mill: A Working Piece of Arkansas History

Discover Arkansas's only working gristmill: a historic landmark with a water wheel, restaurant, organic food, and craft fairs in the Ozark Mountains.

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War Eagle Mill, nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, is a working gristmill that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Established in 1832, the mill has been rebuilt several times, standing today as the only working watermill in the state, complete with a store, restaurant, and rich history tied to the Civil War.

A brief summary to War Eagle Mill

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual War Eagle Mill Craft Fair in the fall for a wide array of handmade crafts and local goods.
  • Enjoy a meal at the Bean Palace Café, located on the third floor, for home-style cooking and Ozark Mountain views.
  • Take a walk across the historic War Eagle Bridge for scenic views of War Eagle Creek and the surrounding landscape.
  • Check the War Eagle Mill website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date hours and information, especially during inclement weather.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    War Eagle Mill is located off Scenic Hwy 12, approximately 15 miles east of Rogers, Arkansas. From Rogers, take Hwy 12 East. The drive is scenic, with rolling hills and wooded areas. Follow Hwy 12 to War Eagle Road, and then follow War Eagle Road to the mill. Parking is available behind the mill, with additional parking across the street. Parking is free except during the War Eagle Fair when there may be a $5 parking fee.

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Discover more about War Eagle Mill

War Eagle Mill stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of Northwest Arkansas. Founded in 1832 by Sylvanus and Catherine Blackburn, the mill quickly became a vital part of the War Eagle Valley community. The original structure was tragically swept away by a flood in 1848, but the Blackburns, undeterred, rebuilt and expanded it to include a sawmill. The Civil War brought further hardship. The mill was used by both Union and Confederate forces, before being burned down by Confederate soldiers to prevent its use by the Union Army. The Blackburn family returned after the war to find their home the only structure still standing. A third mill was built in 1873, only to be destroyed by fire in 1924. For decades, the site remained empty until Jewel Medlin purchased the property and rebuilt the mill in 1973, using blueprints and incorporating an undershot water wheel. Today, the mill is powered by an 18-foot cypress water wheel and produces organic grain, cereal, and flour products. Visitors can tour the mill, dine at the Bean Palace Café, and shop for unique gifts. The adjacent War Eagle Bridge, a one-lane steel bridge built in 1907 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adds to the picturesque setting. War Eagle Mill hosts craft fairs every fall, drawing artisans and visitors from across the country. It's a place where history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty converge, offering a memorable experience for all.

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