Waltus Lockett Watkins, established the Watkins Woolen Mill, in 1861, creating beautiful bolts of
fabric, blankets, shawls, and fine yarns. He also built an amazing two-story home, complete with a semi-circle staircase. He built the buildings with his own brick and sawmill. It took nearly half a century to build his home estate and small community. In this 3,600 acres, with an elegant home, three-story woolen mill, fruit-drying shed, smokehouse, brick kiln, sawmill, grist-mill, and acres of tended orchards and croplands. He also built a brick schoolhouse and a church in the area.
The Watkins Woolen Mill, is the only 19th century textile mill in the country with its original machinery still intact.
As we toured these amazing buildings, I truly felt the Lord's hand in the preservation of this historical site.
Enjoy!!!!
These artifacts are inside the museum
Watkins family buggy.
one of the hand carved stones from the Grist-Mill
This cool creation is a snow plow, pulled behind
the horse it scoops up the snow.
Wool from W.L. Watkins & Son Woolen Mill, Lawson, MO.
Original machinery from the Watkins Woolen Mill
Franklin Academy
School was established in 1842.
The School and its furnishings cost $2,300.
Mt Vernon Church
The Mt Vernon Missionary Baptist Church was est in 1857
This church building was built in 1869.
Pathway to Watkins home, and the Woolen Mill
Watkins Home
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