About
The Grahams Forge Mill in Wythe County is one of the outstanding late-19th-century architectural gems of southwest Virginia. Although utilitarian in function, it is nevertheless a stunning site of rustic beauty: a five-story building on a stone foundation, with a flaking whitewashed, weathered, gray wood exterior; original windows and doors with stylish surrounds and proportionally correct dormers; a paneled frieze below broad eaves; a rusting silver tin roof; and a wonderful little cupola with star motif and decorative cresting. The Grahams Forge Mill and its complement of outbuildings possess outstanding architectural integrity, and many of the mill’s workings remain in place inside the structures.
The current mill, constructed ca. 1890 and operated until 1934, was the third one to occupy the site. Its predecessors were the former Graham’s Forge that featured a furnace, iron rolling mill, and nail factory, and the earlier Crockett Forge, which was established in 1796.
The site is named for David Graham, who acquired the forge in 1826 and later left it to his son, Major David P. Graham.
Know Before You Go
This is directly off the side of a backroad-highway. I would recommend parking at the church across the road, then walking down the street to cross over to the mill. It’s a fast and active road, so be sure to cross safely and quickly.
The building and mills are fenced off with “No Trespassing” signs clearly posted. The inner landscape looks maintained. Very nice to view from the road; the mills are shockingly huge in-person, even from a distance.
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