The War Eagle Mill in Rogers, Arkansas: An Authentic, Working, Water Powered Grist Mill

In the pioneer days, grist mills were vital to any community. Farmers would travel to the nearest mill to have their corn or wheat ground into flour, utilizing the power of water from a nearby stream. That stream powered the water wheel which in turn powered the grist mill to grind. Today, such grist mills have passed into the pages of history in all but a few select locations where the past still lives.

War Eagle Mill in northwest Arkansas is one of these locations.

Located along the scenic banks of the War Eagle River, the War Eagle Mill sits in a picturesque valley, nestled among the rugged Ozark mountains. Although this mill was rebuilt on the site of earlier mills that date back to before the Civil War, it is a fully authentic, completely restored grist mill.

Open seven days a week from March 1 to January 1 each year, the mill is also opened Thursdays through Sundays in January and February. They close for Thanksgiving and Christmas but are open the rest of the year. Hours are from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.

The history of War Eagle Mill began way back in 1830 when early Arkansas pioneer Sylvanus Blackburn built the first mill on the site. That mill was destroyed in a flood in 1848 but persistent Mr. Blackburn rebuilt only to see the second mill burned during the Civil War to keep the Federal Troops (Yankees in those parts) from using the mill. Mr. Blackburn's son, James Blackburn, built the third mill on the banks of the War Eagle River in 1873. The current and fourth War Eagle Mill was built on hundred years later and is a complete, accurate reproduction of the previous mill.

In 1973, the late Jewell and Leta Medlin along with Zoe Medlin Caywood built the current mill.

The current War Eagle Mill uses stone buhr grinders powered by an impressive 18 foot waterwheel and produces a wide variety of traditional grains.

These grains are for sale in the mill's store, online, and through a catalogue. Popular items include the stone ground cornmeal, flours (including bleached all purpose, whole wheat, and buckwheat), oats, flax, and many mixes.

Some of the most popular mixes include pancake and muffin mix, biscuit mix, and cornbread mix.

All products are sold in traditional cloth bags with the War Eagle motif printed on the outside. Some are even in pretty prints like the old "flour sack" materials that pioneer and country girls used to make dresses long ago.

Many other items are for sale in the three story mill. Products are sold on the first two floors. Traditional kitchen utensils including graniteware, cookbooks, jams, syrups, jellies, fruit butters, and gift items are also available.

Mouth watering aromas drift through the mill not only from the samples of fresh bread or cornbread that are sometimes offered. On the third floor, the Bean Palace Restaurant serves up good old-fashoined beans, sandwiches, soups, and desserts daily. Foods prepared with some of the mill's own whole grains are also available as is breakfast.

The site is also famous for two fairs held each year on the grounds. In May, the War Eagle Mill Antique and Craft Show draws visitors from around the nation and each fall, in October, the War Eagle Mill Arts & Crafts is a major event that brings thousands to Arkansas.

The War Eagle Mill is located 13 miles east of Rogers, Arkansas off Scenic Highway 12E on War Eagle Road 98. Their toll-free telephone number is 1-866-492-7324 and the physical address is 11045 War Eagle Road, Rogers, Arkansas, 72756.