Star’s Mill
The property that became Starr’s Mill was owned by Hananiah Gilcoat who built the first mill here before his death in 1825. This site, on Whitewater Creek, was less than a mile from the boundary between Creek Indian lands and the State of Georgia. Hilliard Starr, who owned the mill from 1866 until 1879, gave the site its current name. After the first two log structures burned, William T. Glower built the current building in 1907. This mill operated until 1959, using a water-powered turbine, instead of a wheel, to grind corn and operate a sawmill. The Starr’s Mill site also included a cotton gin and a dynamo that produced electricity for nearby Senoia.
Star’s mill was the location for “Deep South Glass” the glass shop in the movie Sweet Home Alabama. The film crew did a lot of restoration and a new coat of paint and the front deck was built.
The current mill, just over 100 years old, was the third mill constructed Starr’s Mill Interior – Senoia, Georgia on the mill foundation. Dating back to 1907, the present mill was rebuilt by William T. Glower when the previous mill was destroy by fire. More than a grist mill, the Georgia mill site went on to power a cotton gin and supply electrical power to the nearby town of Senoia. Still a popular place to fish and take photographs, this charming mill and day use park can be found about 25 miles south of Atlanta, nearby the communities of Starrs Mill and Senoia.
The Fayette County Water System purchased the historic Starr’s Mill in February, 1991. The millpond will be used as an additional water source for the System. This purchase included the mill house, dam, and approximately 16 acres of land. It is located on Highway 85 south of Fayetteville and will continue to be used for fishing, family gatherings and picnics.
What to Photograph
The old mill, the dam and waterfall, and the mill pond.
Where it is:
115 Waterfall Way
Fayetteville, GA 30215
From Atlanta take I-75 South to Georgia 85 ( NOT Interstate 85) South, through Riverdale and then Fayetteville and the Mill is about 5 miles past the courthouse square on the right. It is plainly visible from the road so you can’t miss it.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
GPS:
33°19’42.888″ N 84°30’29.147″ W
Cost:
Location Contact Information:
Fayette County Administration
140 Stonewall Avenue West
Suite 100
Fayetteville, Georgia 30214
Star’s Mill Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Georgia:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.