Prater’s Mill was an important commercial site with a grist mill for grinding corn and wheat, as well as a store, post office, warehouse, cotton gin, blacksmith, gardens, and numerous houses. The store and mill complex were the primary links between early pioneer residents and the outside world. Located on the Federal Road, an important frontier thoroughfare connecting the port of Savannah with the Tennessee River Valley, Prater’s Mill served frontier residents in the mid-19th century, who could buy tobacco, fabric, tools, eggs, and other fresh farm produce there.

Photo: Leah Tibbs

Photo: Leah Tibbs

Photo: Leah Tibbs

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse

Photo: Tom Bosse