Jimmy McDonald Photography Blog

The Richmond Mill was chartered in 1833 and was the seventh cotton mill chartered in North Carolina. It operated until 1865 when it was burned by Sherman’s troops. It was rebuilt in 1869 and renamed Great Falls Mill. It burned again in 1972.

I remember traveling into Rockingham from Virginia to visit my grandparents and arriving at the intersection of Highway 220 and Highway 74 as the mill was burning.  The roads were blocked by tons of emergency vehicles battling the blaze.  I was fascinated by the flames that seemed to be burning the sky.

Ever since moving to Rockingham I have always wanted to walk around the ruins of the mill.  It took 30 years and a chance to leave work early to find my way down into the valley of old kudzu vines and crumbled brick.  The vines growing around the building have made a cushion to walk on.  I was careful not to step into a hole or fall into drainage canal hidden by the vines. 

It was interesting to see what the building looked like from the other side.  It was very peaceful walking through the ruins.  The waterfall behind the building was beautiful and very powerful coming through the wall opening in the dam. I plan on taking going back again to take another look.  Hopefully it will not take me 30 years this time.

The remaining photos of my visit can be viewed here