The Brainerd Mill and the Tellico Mills: The Development of Water-Milling in the East Tennessee Valley

This study documents the archaeological and historical investigations of four water-powered mills in the eastern Tennessee Valley. This study points out the value of both archaeological and archival material to obtain a fuller picture of the function of these mills, and of their economic and social roles.

A review of the development of water power technology is included in this study. A knowledge of this technology is necessary to help in the formulation of clear research designs when investigating water powered mills.

The recovery of a large amount of power-transmission related artifacts helps to develop a clearer picture of milling practices in the region. An unusual turbine recovered from the Brainerd Mill has raised questions about availability and adaptations of state-of-the-art technology in frontier settlements.