Garrison-Webb Grist Mill
Located on the property of Anne Springs Close Greenway is the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill. The Garrison-Webb Grist Mill was established in 1780 and operated for approximately one hundred (100) years.
Grist Mill Sign
The mill was located along the banks of Steele Creek by Isaac Garrison and Theodoric Webb, who bought the land from Thomas Spratt. The mill was located near the first of four sanctuaries of Unity Presbyterian Church, a log structure built in 1788. This small collection of homes and other structures was named “Little York.”
In 1830, it was decided to name the town Fort Mill referencing the Indian Fort near the Catawba River and the mill, referring to the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill along Steele Creek.
Garrison-Webb Grist Mill
After extensive research archaeological evidence of the gristmill was found in the northwest section of the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Over the 100 years the mill was operational its ownership passed through to several owners, including John Springs and William E. White. The original mill burned down in 1889, and it is unclear if it was ever rebuilt.
of the Grist Mill
In 2008, the Anne Springs Close Greenway began efforts to recreate the mill in its original setting. The mill was designed to have a moving water wheel, but the wheel was not attached to any gears and was never intended to actually grind grain. The Greenway was mainly intended as a learning opportunity and to honor the history of the industry in the region.
Visitors to the Anne Springs Close Greenway may visit the Garrison-Webb Grist Mill by hiking the Blue Star Trail beginning at the Blue Star Entrance to the Greenway. Once on the Blue Star Trail you’ll cross foot bridges and Steele Street (a paved public road) and continue down a hill to the mill, which was constructed in 1780.
Photo Credit:©️2022 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Location: Garrison-Webb Grist Mill; Blue Star Trail; Blue Star Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week. Get Outdoors and enjoy Nature. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 
Mills from this era fascinate me. The process of using moving water to power mills like this was creative and required an imaginative thought process. I’m glad they decided to reconstruct this as an educational venue. I think it’s important to understand stuff like this!
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Thank you Dan! It is educational and if you don’t know the trails the Greenway periodically holds History Hikes with Local History guides that give you an idea of how the mill operated and the significance of its impact on the town. Coleman and I have hiked here both with the Greenway’s hiking club and on our own.
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