Historic 1880s water-powered gristmill being restored as a working mill and living history museum by Friends of Roberson Mill (FORM).
The Roberson Mill was designed and built in the 1880s by John W. Epperly, who would become one of Floyd County’s most accomplished millwrights. Owned by the Roberson family since 1931, it was one of the last two commercial mills in the county to grind using water power. A staple on Floyd County breakfast tables until the mid-20th century, the buckwheat flour produced here until the mid-1980s is now all but forgotten by local cooks and consumers.
Friends of Roberson Mill is working to restore and preserve the Roberson Mill. They successfully raised funds and completed their Phase 1 goal of restoring the structural integrity of the building. This included repairing the foundation and exterior framing, replacing the roof, siding, and windows, and repairing damaged areas of the interior flooring.
Recent restoration milestones include replacement of water-damaged flooring on the lower level with rough-cut tongue-and-groove boards, an important step toward safely welcoming visitors inside. As more flooring is replaced, we look forward to hosting additional events and expanding public access. Work is also underway to secure new interior stair railings. Since becoming part of Mountain Spirit: Virginia's Moonshine Heritage Trail in 2023, our volunteers have enjoyed giving tours that highlight the mill’s place in the moonshine and milling history of Floyd, Franklin, and Patrick counties. The addition of a new parking lot (large enough for approximately 36 vehicles) allowed us to host two successful events this year: an Open House in June and a Fall Festival in September.
Once repairs on the second and third floors are complete, visitors will be able to safely explore the full interior layout and milling components. Looking ahead, one of our most meaningful goals is replacing the water wheel, which was unsalvageable and had to be removed. A new water wheel will not only restore the mill’s historic character but also help bring its story to life. While other essential restoration needs must come first, planning for the wheel is already underway.
Roberson Mill is one of the last two commercial mills in Floyd County to operate by waterpower and one of only two remaining flour mills that were never designed or retrofitted for a roller mill system. As noted in Water Powered Mills of Floyd County by Ricky Cox and Franklin Webb, it stands today as the county’s most authentic representation of 19th-century American flour milling. We were honored when the mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places just two years ago, a designation that we hope will continue to elevate awareness and support for this important landmark. Long-term plans include expanding educational programming, particularly for local school systems, and eventually milling products once restoration of the interior components is complete.
As we continue this journey, we invite you to support Roberson Mill this Giving Tuesday. Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps us move closer to completing the remaining restoration work, replacing the water wheel, and opening the mill fully to the public. Your generosity has already made so much possible, and we are truly grateful for your continued support of this historic treasure.
