Boyd Mill Place

Boyd Mill Place is a 60-acre rural property in Webster County, Georgia, centered on a two-story wood-frame gristmill built around 1870 beside a millpond formed by a 400-foot earthen dam. The mill, built by John Boyd, ground corn into meal, grits and flour for area farmers until 1963. Heavy timber framing, a turbine beneath the building, millstones, sifting hoppers and a canvas elevator survive, so the mill could operate again with minimal repairs. Nearby are a one-story New South cottage built around 1910 for the miller and a barn, shed and chicken house from the 1930s, when owner William Davenport also added a generator and a sawmill. The property is the last surviving gristmill in the county and among the few in Georgia with its machinery intact. It was recognized for its architecture, engineering, agriculture, industry and commerce, and the pond long served community gatherings such as baptisms and fish fries.