Rockbridge Mill
From the Rockbridge Rainbow Trout & Game Ranch
Late in the summer of 1841 a group of families left Marion County, Kentucky, in three ox and horse drawn wagons led by Captain Kim Amyx. Their destination would require some 500 miles and six months of challenging travel. They were searching the unknown for a new life in the virgin wilderness of the Ozarks, and would end their journey near present day Hodgson Mill.
It is reported that members of this wagon train, along with other previous settlers, set about to establish a new community known as Rockbridge. The original town and mill site was located near the confluence of Spring Creek and Bryant Creek. It was the county seat of Ozark County, and encompassed what today is three separate counties: Douglas, Howell, and Ozark. After a few short years, the town and mill were destroyed by fire during a civil war battle.
In 1868, B.V. Morris rebuilt the original mill on its present day location. The Mill’s reconstruction was followed by the reinstatement of the post office, a general store, Masonic Lodge, bank, church, school, blacksmith shop, and a large farm house, known today as the White House. The village of Rockbridge was a gathering place for people from the countryside. A trip to the mill was a great occasion, enabling people to visit old friends and neighbors, to get their meal and flour, to utilize the post office, to vote on Election Day, and to get news of the outside world.
In 1946, the Amyx family moved to Rockbridge. Lile and Edith Amyx had a saw mill on the lower part of the stream, and also worked in Gainesville in the family business, the Amyx Auto Company. In 1954, the family began to develop the Rockbridge Rainbow Trout & Game Ranch. Edith became Postmaster of the Rockbridge Post Office, the oldest post office in the county. The days were long, and the nights short as they worked diligently to bring life back to the Rockbridge Village. Once again, people from the towns and countryside came from miles around to visit friends and neighbors, enjoy a good meal, and vote on Election Day. This time they came to bring news from the outside world and enjoy world class trout fishing.
In the 1895, Sidney and Edgie Amyx (Lile’s parents), were married at Rockbridge. The couple homesteaded the land directly above Rockbridge Spring. Ralph Amyx (Lile’s brother) was born on this site in 1907, now the site of Ralph’s Ridge Condos named in his honor. Activity flourished during the latter years of the 19th century and continued until the 1920’s and 1930’s, but as gasoline power and better roads came along, the need for the mill and the blacksmith shop gradually declined. Eventually there was not a need for the general store. The world changed and Rockbridge was almost abandoned. Only the post office remained to mark the existence of this once bustling community.
Years later Rockbridge still exists with all the stamina, character, and the way of life we so greatly admired about our forefathers. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, the little village in a valley of the Ozark hills will continue to create history and provide memories for all who visit.
The mill is now home to the Rockbridge Grist Mill Club…This wonderful old pub set in the 1800’s grist mill serves scrumptious appetizers and premium beverages in a unique setting.
What to Photograph
The old mill which is now a pub, the dam and waterfall along with trout fishermen in the creek, and the few remaining buildings of the village of Rockbridge.
Note:
At the time I visited and photographed the mill had sustained major damage from record flooding and was closed, but has since reopened.
Where it is:
Hidden away in a valley along the bluff-lined Spring Creek, Rockbridge, Missouri.
Drive south on Hwy. 181 to N Hwy., then right on N. Just north of the Junction with Hwy. 95, follow the signs to Rockbridge.
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:
36°47’20.58″ N 92°24’32.604″ W
Cost:
Hours:
Access to the exterior of the Mill is open all the time.
The Grist Mill Club is open from April – October, and is closed during the winter season. Hours may vary, but generally the Mill is open in the afternoons and evenings through the week and early afternoon through the evening on the weekends.
Resturant hours:
Winter Hours: 8a-7p
In-Season: 8a-8p
Facilities:
This 2000+ acre resort in the heart of the Ozark Mountains is the perfect setting for a family vacation or corporate retreat! Take a picturesque step back in time. Eliminate the distractions and chaos of modern life and immerse yourself in the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere of ROCKBRIDGE Rainbow Trout & Game Ranch. Lodging and a restaurant are at this location.
Location Contact Information:
Rockbridge Mill Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Missouri:
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
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
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