Site of Clifton Mill

In 1857, R.G. Grant of Coryell County built a wooden mill at this site, using the waters of the Bosque River to power his operation. Two years later, the property transferred to J.H. Stinnett, and the mill building was used as a commissary and storehouse for the Confederate Army during the Civil War, 1861-1865. Stinnett sold the mill to William L. Kemp in 1867, and Kemp tore down the mill and built a new one of stone. Kemp's mill supplied flour and cornmeal to Texas frontier settlements. Ox carts hauling the flour and meal traveled in groups to places like Brownwood, Camp San Saba or forts Concho, McKavett, Mason, Griffin and Chadbourne. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, former U.S. senator and governor of Texas Richard Coke had an interest in the mill. He and his partners sold their interest in 1883. From 1890 to 1901, the mill operated under the name of Clifton Steam and Water. Renovations during this time added to its picturesque quality, including a third story above the unusual S-curve Mansard roof, as well as a cupola housing the grain elevator. The water-powered mill had an auxiliary steam plant for power during low stages of the river and dry seasons. In 1909, the Clifton Electric Light Company purchased the mill and converted it to an electric power plant, but they sold it in 1911. The mill sat vacant until it was purchased and demolished in 1915. The City of Clifton bought the site in the 1960s. Despite its demolition in the early 20th century, the mill building survives in memory and photographs. Here, early settlers used the power of the river to feed and power Texas' burgeoning frontier. (2003)

Site of Clifton Mill is a historical marker in Clifton, Bosque County, dedicated in 2002. It is one of 46 historical markers documented in Bosque County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 131 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.7928, -97.5758 near Clifton. The nearest cataloged historic site is Clifton Whipple Truss Bridge (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Shefstad, Gunarus and Ingerborg, House, Clifton College Administration Building, and Clifton Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5035012984. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.