In 1905 Ed and Lizzie Mabry with the help of neighbor Newton Hylton built the gristmill, waterwheel, and water supply flume system. By 1908 the gristmill was in operation and people from as far away as eight miles were bringing their corn to be ground.
Due to the lack of water power the process of grinding corn took longer than at the other nearby mills. If corn is ground to fast it can become burned or scorched resulting in bitter tasting corn meal. Due to the slow grinding process at Mabry Mill the corn was never burnt making it some of the best tasting corn meal around. The National Park Service acquired the Mabry Mill property in 1938 after Ed died and Lizzie moved away. In 1942 all structures were completely restored and became part of the history of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mabry Mill which is now a favorite of Parkway visitors.