The Mills And Springs Of The Ozarks
Places & History Of The Mill Era
About the Book
The Mills And Springs Of The Ozarks takes readers on a journey through the rich history and stunning beauty of the region. Featuring deep narratives, this book offers a look into the region’s cultural and geological heritage. This guide features the stories of 45 mill sites in the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas, along with all of the region’s Magnitude 1 springs.
Uncover how statehood, western expansion, and the Civil War shaped the mill economy and life in the Ozarks. Learn about the unique geology that gave rise to the area’s caves and springs, and explore the innovative technology that was used in the historic mills.
With firsthand accounts and photographs from each site, history is brought to life, giving readers an engaging and visibly rich experience.
Sample Photos
Topics Covered
Western Expansion and Civil War
Milling Technology: the machines and technology that provided food for people and their livestock.
The stories of 45 mill sites: Aid-Hodgson, Dawt, Rockbridge, Zanoni, Hammond, Topaz, Montauk, Summersville, Alley, Klepzig, Licking, McCaskill, Falling Spring, Greer, Turner, Boze, Thomasson, Caplinger, Owen’s, Hulston, Britain, Wommack, Ozark, Gibson’s, Jolly, Ritchey, Bowers, Dick’s, Noser, Dillard, Reeds Spring, Bollinger, Old Appleton, Brewer’s, Mitchell’s, Boxley, War Eagle, Van Winkle’s, Johnson, Rhea’s, Byrne, Burnsville, Cedar Hill, Springfield, Butterball Yellville.
The stories of the major springs: Big, Mammoth, Greer, Maramec, Bennett, Rainbow, Alley, Welch, Blue (on the Current River).
Publication Details
ISBN: 979-8-9901825-4-7
Publisher: Glenstrae LLC
Publication Date: February 25, 2025
Page Count: 160
Trim Size: 6” x 9”
Reviews
“I encourage you include this book in your library and share with anyone heading to the Ozarks. It’s an excellent read.” - Chuck Ketchie, Editor, Old Mill News
“The Mills And Springs Of The Ozarks focuses on the history behind many of the region’s most famous mills as well as some of the lesser-known gems across Missouri.” - The Salem News
“After a brief overview explaining mill equipment and operations, McGee offers illustrated capsule accounts of mills past and present across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.” - Missouri Historical Review
Why I Wrote This Book
My grandparents took me to Alley Mill when I was about ten years old. The red mill (it was once painted white) and Missouri’s seventh-largest spring are etched in my memory and were the catalyst for the project. My original objective was to organize the stories of the famous mills of the Ozarks, until I learned there were hundreds of mills in the area at one time. The project turned to documenting the stories of as many mills as I could find. The survival of these old buildings is threatened by flood, fire, and time. We lose one every few years. Recently, McCaskill Mill was demolished because it was deemed a hazard. I’m fortunate to have seen it while it was still standing.