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When Sylvanus Blackburn first laid eyes on War Eagle Valley in 1832, he found War Eagle River curling through a quiet valley nestled between Arkansas Territory’s Ozark Mountains. The leaves had already fallen from the oak and hickory trees that December, providing Blackburn a clear view of the land. Blackburn and his young son had traveled from their home in Tennessee to scout for land in Arkansas, which was available for five cents an acre. The valley was pristine, with only one other settlement in the area. Blackburn purchased 160 acres, spending 80 dollars for his family’s new homestead. That winter the Blackburn family stayed in tents on their land, with Blackburn’s wife, Catherine, reportedly sleeping with a shotgun, ready to fend off the mountain lions they could hear screaming from the mountains at night.
Into this wildness Blackburn brought his entire family, which included his parents, some extended family, and slaves. The Blackburns built a two-story home in the valley and, famously, a grist mill. The mill included a waterwheel to power the grist stones, which ground corn and other grains between them into fine flour. Grist mills were essential to life in the 1800s. Families brought their corn and wheat to be milled so they could feed themselves throughout the year and sell any extra milled grains for profit. Building a grist mill required the Blackburns to build a small dam to help control War Eagle River and power their water wheel.
Grist mills were so valuable to early communities that families traveled for miles to bring their crops in. This naturally turned area mills into places for community, news and trade. The Blackburns took advantage of this by building a sawmill, a general store, and a building that doubled as a school and a Masonic lodge. The sawmill allowed nearby residents easier access to milled lumber to build homes and businesses.
Although the current bridge was built in 1907, the Blackburns also built a bridge, and the view of the creek is similar to what they would have seen during the 1800s.
In 1848, War Eagle River flooded and took the mill with it, but the Blackburns rebuilt, and their many businesses thrived in the valley until the Civil War. During the war, mills were a strategic asset to both Union and Confederate forces. They were needed to provide food for troops, but many were also burned down to prevent opposing forces from accessing the mill. War Eagle Mill fell to this practice two days before the Battle of Pea Ridge. The Blackburns were not at home when the mill burned. Sylvanus had taken his family to Texas for the duration of the war, except for several of his sons, who fought for the Confederate side. One Blackburn son, Ambrose, was killed during the war.
When the family returned after the Civil War ended, they rebuilt War Eagle Mill and continued to live in the valley and run the business. Blackburn died in 1890, but the mill stayed in operation until 1924, when it burned down again. This time, it wasn’t rebuilt. Many families had moved away from farming and the demand to mill grains had dropped significantly. For nearly 50 years, War Eagle Mill became part of Arkansas history, with only the memory of the mill and its place in the community.
In 1971, the Medlin family purchased the land. Nothing remained of the former mill but the foundation and the dam, and the bride dating to 1907, but the family was captivated by the former history. They rebuilt War Eagle Mill and eventually some of the town around it. Since milling grain was no longer an essential service, the mill became a historical landmark. Owner Zoe Medlin Caywood worked hard and successfully promoted the mill for many years. In 2004, Elise Roenigk purchased the mill.
The War Eagle Craft Fair already existed when the Caywoods rebuilt. The craft fair began in 1954 as a way to showcase Arkansas artisans. The fair focuses on handcrafted items and features over 250 vendors alongside War Eagle Creek. A visit to the mill is an easy addition to the fair’s festivities. The War Eagle Craft Fair is still held the third weekend in October. This year, the event takes place October 17-20. Find out details on the craft fair weekend at wareaglefair.com.
Plan a visit to War Eagle Mill or purchase products by mail at visitwareaglemill.com or find the latest recipes and food-related fun on the War Eagle Mill Facebook page.
Today the mill focuses on grinding organic grains and entertaining visitors with the history of the mill and how it functions. The mill also added a restaurant and a store where visitors can purchase the organic grains the mill now produces, as well as other souvenirs, many of which hold the now iconic image of War Eagle Mill. The mill’s presence serves as a living reminder of a special part of Arkansas history.
All photos are courtesy of Arkansas Department of Heritage, Parks and Tourism.
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