Wade's Mill (originally the Kennedy-Wade Mill) is the oldest, continuously operating commercial grist mill in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. The mill was built c. 1750 by Captain Joseph Kennedy, a Scots-Irishman from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, who emigrated to American in 1733. Captain Kennedy was one
of the earlier settlers of Rockbridge County. The Kennedy family owned and operated the mill for over 100 years. Wade purchased the mill, and four generations of the Wade family operated the mill for over a century. Jim and Georgie Young purchased the mill in 1991 and operated it for 25 years. In July 2016, John and Karen Siegfried purchased the mill and are happy to be carrying on Wade's Mill's 270-year milling tradition. Wade’s Mill is one of the few remaining mills producing a variety of flours exclusively on mill stones. The three-story mill is powered by a 21-foot iron water wheel fed by nearby Otts Creek, and the interior and workings are similar to when it was taken over by James Wade in 1882. Milling was one of the earliest industries to develop in the Shenandoah Valley. By the late 18th century, “custom” mills were scattered throughout the countryside, grinding grain individually for local farmers, and usually operating around the harvest season. The miller kept a portion of the flour, the “miller’s toll”, as payment. In the 19th century, “merchant” or commercial milling operations became more common as the Valley farmers began to grow increasing amounts of wheat. A merchant mill would purchase grain from farmers and grain dealers and grind it for profit. By the eve of the Civil War, the Shenandoah Valley was recognized as the “breadbasket of the Confederacy”, one of the most prosperous agricultural counties in the nation. Today we produce fresh, 100% natural, whole grain stone-ground ground flours, grits, polenta and cornmeal, without additives or preservatives. We use these freshly ground products in a variety of mixes for waffles, pancakes, buckwheat pound cake, biscuits, scones, spoonbread, cornbread, hushpuppies and a variety of beer breads. Our grain products are available in our Mill Shop, along with a variety of local preserves, honey, molasses, Highland County maple syrups and a variety of gift items. During opening hours, visitors are welcome to tour the Mill, visit the gardens and use the picnic tables. Free admission and parking.
