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Gilreath’s Mill

SC PICTURE PROJECT 3 Comments

SC Picture Project / Greenville County / Gilreath’s Mill

Gilreath’s Mill in Greer has been known by other names through the years – Bruce’s Mill, Heller’s Mill, and Taylor’s Mill – but is commonly known by its current name. Though the first recorded date of the mill’s operations is 1839, historians suspect that it may have been built as early as 1814. The property was purchased by Joel Bruce, who is credited with building the mill, in 1801. The water wheel is separate from the mill’s two-and-a-half story frame building.

Gilreath's Mill

Bill Fitzpatrick of Taylors, 2011 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Gilreath’s Mill ground flour and cornmeal, supplying locals with food staples and earning its place in nineteenth century rural industry. According to the South Carolina Industrial Census of 1860, the mill produced 1,750 pounds of cornmeal and and 60 bushels of flour during that year alone.

Gilreath Mill, Waterwheel

Jo Anne Keasler of Greenville, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The mill also served as a gathering spot for people to socialize while procuring goods. Gilreath’s Mill operated until 1950 and was powered by Shoal Creek and Clear Creek, branches of the South Tyger River. The property remains in the Gilreath family.

Gilreath's Mill Greer

Treva Thomas Hammond of Rock Hill, 2012 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Gilreath’s Mill is listed in the National Register:

(Heller’s Mill; Bruce’s Mill; Taylor’s Mill) Gilreath’s Mill is one of the few remaining mills in South Carolina that recalls the vital tradition of rural industry. The mill is a two and one-half story frame building with a steep gable roof. Its construction date is unknown. Tradition dates it ca. 1814 but the first contemporary account of the mill is 1839. Other rooms on the present building include two gable-roof sheds attached to the north of the original section. The water wheel, separate from the mill, is southwest of the structure.

Production of cornmeal and flour was essential to the people living nearby and therefore to the economic structure of the area. An example of the production levels of the mill is found in the South Carolina Industrial Census of 1860. Owned at that time by John Heller, the mill produced 1750 pounds of cornmeal and 60 bushels of flour. Value of this annual yield was $1750 for the cornmeal and $420 for the flour. Cornmeal and flour were strong commodities on a statewide level. In 1882, for example, Gilreath’s Mill was one of 720 grist mills in South Carolina producing 22% of all manufactures, second only to cotton products. The mill was an integral part of the social and economic setting of the area. A means of procuring staple foods, Gilreath’s Mill was also a place where people could congregate.

Interior Pictures of Gilreath’s Mill


Gilreath Mill Interior

Candy Jones of Greenville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Gilreath Mill Interior view

Candy Jones of Greenville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

More Pictures of Gilreath’s Mill

Gilreath Mill Greer

Pete Lawrence of Sumter, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Gilreath's Mill Door

Paula Canine of Pawleys Island, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Gilreath's Mill Stone Support Piers

Paula Canine of Pawleys Island, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Gilreath's Mill Waterwheel

Tammy McCartney of Greer, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Gilreath’s Mill

Where is Gilreath’s Mill located?
Address: South Carolina Highway 101, Greer, SC 29651
GPS Coordinates: 34.973035,-82.278408
What else should I see?
Gilreath's Mill 0 mile
Gilreath's Mill 0 mile
Lake Cunningham 1.4 miles
Lake Robinson 2.9 miles
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  • Greer Historic Sites
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    Gilreath’s Mill Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tammy Burrell says

      April 7, 2018 at 4:32 PM

      FYI: Whoever knows who owns the Gilreath Mill there is a tree that has fallen on the wheel and has got it in a bind. The wheel is stopped and leaning.

      Reply
    2. Ashley says

      November 7, 2015 at 11:14 PM

      Can you take photos on the property?

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        November 9, 2015 at 9:44 AM

        This mill is located on the side of the road, making it accessible from that point, but the property on which it sits is privately owned.

        Reply

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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