Visit Nelson County: Woodson's Mill

Woodson's Mill

Woodson's Mill in Nelson County, Virginia has been noted by historians as one of the state's finest examples of a 19th-century mill that is not only intact. All the grinding equipment is completely powered by water just as it was two centuries ago.

The mill was originally constructed in 1794 by Guiliford Campbell and was called "Big Piney Mill". The present structure, on the foundation of the original mill, is an example of four-story post-and-beam construction and was completed in 1845, then expanded soon after the Civil War. It was purchased in 1900 by Dr. Julian Woodson who, besides being a miller, was both a medical doctor and a dentist. His doctor's office was on the west end of the mill.

Today the mill continues to function with two water wheels: a small Fitz-type wheel which provides the mill's electricity and the large 12-1/2 foot steel Fitz wheel which drives the two runs of mill stone.

Woodson's Mill is located on Route 778 in Lowesville.
The Mill is owned by a private citizen and is not open to the public for tours.