Friends of Roberson Mill

Roberson Mill located 3 and 1/2 miles south of Floyd VA, is a 2-story grist mill. It was built in the mid 1800's.  The grist mill has been undergoing restoration of the exterior part of the building since late 2019. To date, the mill's foundation has been secured and exterior drainage around the perimeter of the mill has been improved. In addition, the old siding was replaced with new and new custom-built windows were installed. Lastly, and most recently, the old leaky roof was replaced by a new one.  All restoration efforts are costly and, therefore, has had to be completed in phases.  There is much remaining work to be done before this project is complete.  Board members agree the next phases will entail replacing areas of flooring including all 3 floors of the mill and continue to work on securing stair railings within the interior of the mill. These two repairs would allow visitors to come inside the mill safely.  Another important planning phase consists of replacing the water wheel with a new one (the old one was unsalvageable and had to be torn down last year).  We think you would agree, a mill is simply not a mill without a water wheel.

Roberson mill was one of the latter two commercial mills to operate by water power in Floyd County and one of two existing flour mills that was neither designed to incorporate a roller mill nor modified afterward to accommodate one. This mill, therefore, represents the county's most authentic picture of flour milling as it was done in the United States through the larger part of the 19th century.

Just recently we received the good news of Roberson mill being named to the registry of National Historic places; this was such good news.  Board members are in hopes this will enhance our overall recognition over time.

Plans are to, eventually open the mill to the public with a strong emphasis toward education involving area school systems.