A Southern Oregon treasure (albeit, undiscovered by many) is the Butte Creek Mill located in Eagle Point. Beginning operations in 1872 and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Butte Creek Mill was the last water-powered grist mill, still commercially operating, this side of the Mississippi.
That was until an accidental fire tragically burnt it to the ground on Christmas day in 2015. Fortunately, the mill stones were not harmed in the fire and the basement remained mostly intact. The Butte Creek Mill Foundation was formed to bring the Mill back to life, as well as recognize the location’s historic impact in the community with plans to incorporate an interpretive center, exhibits, school curriculum and their famous flour baking mixes and other culinary treats.
Top fundraising efforts have included a concert put on by Jim Belushi (who lives in Eagle Point) and a $100k donation from Bob Moore, of Bob’s Red Mill.
The Foundation is currently engaged in fundraising to reconstruct the Mill in a historically accurate manner. Since that tragic day, the community has rallied around the efforts to rebuild this iconic building and restore it to its rightful place in Southern Oregon’s rich history. The support, both locally and nationally, has allowed the restoration to progress, and with continued support, the foundation will be able to reach its goal of reopening the doors of Butte Creek Mill in late 2021.
