Barnard's Mill
Glen Rose, Somervell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Early Texas grist mill. Built like a fort -- with gun ports and walls 3 feet thick at bottom -- to withstand Indian attacks. Constructed in 1860 by Charles Barnard, who (with his brother, George) ran it until 1874. Previously the Barnards had successful trading houses in Waco village and elsewhere. For years, social events were held on the third floor. Cotton gin annex was erected in 1895. Building was a hospital 1943-71. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1962
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Charles Barnard built this grist mill in 1860 like a fort — walls three feet thick at the base, pierced with gun ports — to withstand Indian attacks on the Texas frontier. Charles and his brother George, who had earlier run successful trading houses at Waco and elsewhere, operated the mill until 1874. Over the decades it gained a cotton gin, hosted social gatherings on its third floor, and even served as a hospital from 1943 to 1971.
Why it matters
A fortified frontier mill, it embodies the mix of enterprise and danger that marked the settlement of the Texas hill country.
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Related people
- · Charles Barnard
- · George Barnard
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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