Cowan’s Mill, Ewing, Virginia

This is Old Cowan’s Mill formerly known as the Ball Mill located 2 miles west of Ewing, Virginia. This is reported to be the most photographed mill in the state of Virginia.

Built around 1878 a water operated saw mill was located on the North side of the building. The mill wheel is a more unusual horizontal turbine wheel. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of mill, please see a link below to a video about these types of mills.

The Ball family owned the mill until 1935 when it was sold to Joe Cowan who continued to grind meal at this location.

This is not the original mill house which was made out of log but it is located on the original mill foundation. Mr. Cowan tore down the original log structure after he purchased the property. If anyone out there has any photos of the original mill house before 1935, please contact me. I spoke with the Lee County Historical Society and the Lee County Public Library but neither had photos in their possession.

From what I understand the original equipment is still intact inside the mill house. If you have ever been inside this mill, please leave a comment below.

GPS Location: 36º37’39.7″N 83º28’04.2″W

Video about horizontal turbine wheels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrbs9XeSV7U

Other videos about historic buildings, towns and sites in Lee County, Virginia:

Cumberland Gap Railroad Tunnel, Gibson Station, Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tkBc5e0l3U

Hole In The Rock Wagon Tunnel, Hubbard Springs, Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxWFfhruaXw

The Abandoned Alternate Route 58 Phantom Bridge, Jonesville, Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfj-xvjSdsY

Leeman Field Bridge, Pennington Gap, Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIZSO6g95KI

The Lost Bridge in Pennington Gap, Virginia: https://historyinyourownbackyard.com/video/the-lost-bridge-in-pennington-gap-virginia/