Hoosier Dusty Files - August 28, 1808 - Beck's Mill Salem, IN Opens for Business - Grinds First Corn
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| A Year of Indiana History - 2016 |
George Beck and his wife Elizabeth Claver Beck migrated to Louisville, Kentucky from Roan, North Carolina in 1807. Like many other Revolutionary War veterans, Beck sought to redeem the land the United States Government granted him in lieu of pay. He left his wife and daughters in Louisville and, in company with his sons George Jr. and John, began exploring the southern areas of the Indiana Territory. The group established a camp on a river the came to call the "Blue River" because of the color imparted by the deep, slow moving waters. George Jr. and John discovered a strong spring during a hunting trip and returned to inform George. Having found an ideal spot for a gristmill, Beck staked his claim and built a fifteen by fifteen foot square building near the spring. The men quarried "iron stones" from a nearby outcrop to use as buhr stones. After digging a dam and creating a sluiceway out of hollowed logs for his mill, Beck and his sons were ready to open their mill. Settlers from nearby Pigeon Roost were his first customers on August 28, 1808.
The mill still exists, restored to operating condition by "Friends of Beck's Mill,” and is open for business once again.
Beck's Mill Gristmill
Owned and managed by "Friends of Beck's Mill,” this restored 1808 gristmill is in operating condition. The exhibit includes the restored Beck log cabin and some hiking trails. For more information, contact:
Friends of Beck’s Mill Inc.
P. O. Box 288
Salem, IN 47167
(812) 883-5147
Portions of this article excerpted from the author’s book:
Exploring Indiana's Historic Sites, Markers & Museums - South Central Edition
A Year of Indiana History - 2016
@indianatreker
@MossyFeetBooks
@MossyFeetBooks
© Paul Wonning
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