At Milepost 176, on the Blue Ridge Parkway you can find Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed sites on the parkway, as well as one of the most photographed places in the United States. In fact, it is so famous other states have claimed the mill and put the image on their states postcards! Ed Mabry began construction on the water-powered grist mill in 1903 and by 1910, not only was the grist mill complete but he incorporated a blacksmith and wheelwright shop as well as a sawmill. Ed was one of the fifth generations of Mabry’s to live in this area of Floyd County Virginia. He and his wife operated the mill till 1935. Mabry Mill was remolded by the National Park Service and now serves as a living history center with exhibits depicting life in the rural Appalachians. There are demonstrations of basket weaving, seat caning, spinning, weaving, blacksmithing, as well as a working miller to demonstrate the milling process. Not only can you enjoy ole time bluegrass music every Sunday but on Sundays in October you can observe apple butter making. |
