Do you ever wish that you could go back to a simpler time? We might miss our smart phones, Internet and social media, but there's definitely something to be said for a way of life that's a little more basic. One way to revisit the past is to take a trip to some of Oregon's state heritage sites. Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site features a working mill that's the last of its kind in Oregon, and you can tour it for free.
Step right back in time at Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site. Visitors can tour this mill, which is over 150 years old, every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..
The mill is located at 32655 Boston Mill Dr., Shedd, OR 97377.
Thompson's Mills is the last working water-powered mill in Oregon.
The original mill was built in 1858, but it burned down in a fire in 1862. The new mill was built on the same site in 1864.
Flour mills were important fixtures in rural communities during the 19th century, as farmers brought their wheat to be milled into flour that would sustain their families through the winter months.
This photo shows the Thompson and Halverson families in front of the mill in the 1920.
The mill is nestled on the banks of the Calapooia River, which provides the power needed to mill grain into flour.
After a long summer of hard work and harvesting, local farmers gathered here at the mill to catch up on the latest local news, and swap stories while they waited for their flour.
The history of the mill is fascinating, but you'll also be interested to see just how it works.
The mill was a thriving business from 1858 to 2004, and during that time it went from producing flour, to animal feed, to electricity.
Thompson's Mills no longer produces products or generates electricity for local utility companies, but the machinery is still operational.
You can take a tour and watch the machines in action! Interpretive panels around the mill and its property tell you all about the history of the mill and its equipment.
The iconic silos are popular subjects for photographers and painters. Bring your camera, or feel free to set up an easel to capture this little bit of Oregon history on canvas.
It's completely free to visit the mill! If you have a group of more than 10 people, contact the mill in advance to arrange a group tour. All other visitors may stop by any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m..
Learn more about the Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site on its website.
For another interesting relic from the past, you might want to visit the Peter French Round Barn in Diamond, Oregon.
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