Fall in Cades Cove
by Steve Rich
Title
Fall in Cades Cove
Artist
Steve Rich
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
The Cable Mill in Cades Cove, Tennessee, is a historic site that dates back to the early 1870s. John Cable, a farmer, built the mill at the west end of Cades Cove, surrounded only by his fields. As was typical for farmers with gristmills, Cable's milling was a part-time job. The mill was open for business on specific days, but customers who came at other times could ring a large bell near the mill to call John Cable from his fields.
Today, Cable Mill is a popular tourist destination that features a visitor center, the Gregg-Cable House, and several farm buildings that were moved in from other parts of the cove. Between the 1850s and 1870s, when Cades Cove was at its population peak, four or five mills served its 700 residents. These mills were powered by water, except for the steam-powered Ledbetter mill, which was a late-comer built in the early 1920s.
Cable Mill's power comes from Mill Creek, although Cable dug a connecting channel to Forge Creek so that he could tap both streams when water levels were low. A low dam channels water toward the head of the millrace, where the first of several water gates allows the miller to regulate the flow of water. The last watergate, on the flume, can be operated by a long lever from within the mill.
Visitors to Cable Mill can learn about the history of the mill and the people who lived and worked in Cades Cove. The site offers a glimpse into a bygone era and provides a unique opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a working gristmill.
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November 3rd, 2020
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Comments (152)
Holly April Harris
This is so beautiful!! Very nicely photographed! I am very pleased to feature your wonderful artwork in the group ‘Appalachia America.’ Please add it to the “2023 Fourth Quarter FEATURED IMAGE Collection” thread in the discussions area to record and display your image amongst the best in the group. Thank you! 10/5/23
Cheri Ceridwen
Your composition leads me right up to the mill, where I could get lost in exploration. Thanks for sharing the story of mid 1800's technology.
Steve Rich
Your wonderful image has been FEATURED on the homepage of "The Meandering Photographer” Please consider adding your photo to the "Feature History, The Meandering Photographer (Jan-March 2023)" active discussion thread. 3-26-2023
Holly April Harris
This is one of the nicest photos of the Cable Mill that I have ever seen! Excellent photo. I am very pleased to feature your lovely artwork in the group ‘Covered Bridges and Historical Buildings.’ Please add it to the “2023 First Quarter Featured Image Collection” thread in the discussions area to record and display your image amongst the best in the group. Thank you! 2/1/23
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