About
Osceola Mill History
Circa 1849
Water powered mills were very important to the Shenandoah Valley during the 1800s. Significant changes in stream elevation made for ideal conditions to use mills as a power source. The Osceola Mill is one of seven mills on the Marl Creek. Only two of the original seven remain standing today, the McCormick Farm Mill on the upper part of Marl Creek and the Osceola Mill on the lower. Both remaining mills were part of the McCormick Estate.
The Osceola Mill was named by McCormick in honor of the Native American chief Osceola of the Seminole tribe. Functioning as a flour mill for 120 years, the mill remains structurally intact today supported by massive hand-hewn chestnut beams. The Fritz water wheel that stands today is believed to have replaced the original wooden wheel.
The mill operated as a working mill well into the 1900s. Run by the Brubaker family, it provided stone ground products for sale to the local community. In 1969, however, Hurricane Camille ended its long history as a functioning mill. It was then renovated into a private home and later an Inn. Many of the original mill works still remain, including the massive overshot waterwheel, making it one of the most gorgeous historical sites in the Shenandoah Valley.
Osceola Mill Today
After it's retirement as a functional mill in 1969, the Osceola Mill transitioned into first a residential home, and then shortly after a historic Inn. The mill has functioned as an Inn for almost 50 years, hosting guests from all over the world.
The millhouse features an antique, candlelit dining room which features a complementary coffee and tear bar, in addition to patio-style seating on the porch in front of the water wheel.
The second floor of the mill features four distinct guest lodgings each with its own private bathroom and a host of modern amenities for the comfort of our guests. In addition to the suites inside the millhouse, the property also features an antique, private cabin alongside the creek for those looking for the perfect romantic getaway.
Please note that the former on-site restaurant is CLOSED. Osceola Mill is a self-check in lodge. There are no staff members on-site, but you can always reach our guest support team at osceolamill@gmail.com.