Lee and Gordon's Mill

Three brothers came to Crawfish Springs from Gwinnet County Georgia in 1836 the town of Crawfish Springs became Chickamauga in the late 1890s they each bought several acres of adjoining land. All three brothers created spots. James Gordon bought the spit which is now the spot with the mill. He and Leroy Holiway built the grist mill with an attached general store. The mill served as the first general store in Walker County.  The mill would be passed down through the boarding family until it was sold to Bill and Charlie in 1929 they operated it up until 1967. Bill retired and sadly the mill was neglected and started to fall apart up until 1993 when the Wallace's heirs sold the property to Mr. Frank Pierce. Pierce at his own expense money out of his own pocket decided to keep the wonderful landmark as a historical  building. He restored it as it was 167 years ago repairing the turbines and all the working machinery. Mr. Pierce is a true hero to the art and beauty of protecting of creating and showcasing history. I congratulate him for what he did so many people just destroy our history and forget it's even there and thankfully Mr. Pierce decided to bring back history. Interesting to note after purchasing the mill Mr. Pierce has his workers working 8 to 10 hours per day, five days a week for six years straight to restore the mill, dam and all the machinery that was used in 1836 back to its wonderful original historical working order. 

During the Civil War the mill was occupied by both Confederate and Union armies. The Confederate under Gen. Bragg the first few days of September 1863 later in September 19 and 20th 1863 during the Battle of Chickamauga Gen. Rosscrans stationed a detachment at the mill to prevent confederates from crossing the creek. 

Sadly Mr. Frank Pierce passed away on September 22, 2003 but to me he will forever be known as someone that protects History someone that showcases the historical value to every new generation, he was an amazing hero of history and I thank him for all he did to protect history.