Grimes-Crotts Mill
Also known as: Eureka Mills; Old Mill; Crotts Mill
Why it's listed
Perched on the steep east bank of the Yadkin River, this two-and-one-half story frame grist mill is the last water-powered mill left in Davidson County. Its first-floor framework, handhewn and pegged, dates from the original Grimes Mill built between 1870 and 1880. George Grimes, a member of a prominent milling family, founded it. Franklin P. Crotts bought it after Grimes died in 1890, raised it to its present height about 1900, and added a generating plant, sawmill and cotton gin. Milling ended in the 1930s, and the machinery was sold in 1937. Later owners kept the building as a landmark, and a metal undershot wheel and traces of the stone diversion dam survive at the river. The mill is distinguished by its monitor roof, exterior chimney and porch, and it represents the final phase of water-powered milling before steam roller mills took over.
Significance in brief: It is the only remaining water-powered mill in Davidson County and shows the last phase of water-power technology before steam-powered roller mills. It is associated with the Grimes family, prominent millers, and with miller Franklin P. Crotts. Its monitor roof and exterior facade chimney are notable among Piedmont frame mills.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 84002008, listed July 10, 1984. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | SR 1445, Reedy Creek |
|---|---|
| County | Davidson County |
| Listed | July 10, 1984 |
| Reference number | 84002008 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1870-1880 |
| Architect / builder | unknown |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Industry |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Altered after 1937 when the machinery was removed; the office was remodeled as an apartment and the building is now used for storage. The nomination lists the status as unoccupied. |
| Acreage | 13.2 |
| Coordinates | 35.92047, -80.37052 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 84002008.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q18346242
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.