Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 06/08/2006
NRHP Listing Date 08/30/2006
DHR's Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement
NRHP Reference Number 06000749
Situated along the Tye River at the foot of the Blue Ridge in Nelson County, Tyro Mill is a remarkably well-preserved example of automated burrstone milling technology, constructed according to the design principles of mill authority Oliver Evans. The large stone and frame structure was built for plantation owner William Massie in 1846-47, with wooden millworks installed by millwright Matthias Law. Tyro Mill produced flour and meal during the 19th century and powered an ice plant and sawmill in the 20th. A timber frame addition was constructed in the late 19th century and belt drives, steel gears, and metal siding were added in the early 20th century; an overshot wooden wheel that supplied power was later replaced in 1925 by the present steel wheel. Nonetheless, the mill preserves some original machinery, millstones, wooden gears and drive shafts, Dutch doors, and batten window shutters on wrought strap hinges. There are also hoppers, grain bins, chutes and elevators, remnants of bolters and screw conveyors, a husk frame, and other production-related features. A one-room log dwelling traditionally identified as the miller’s house stands nearby. The Tyro Mill’s operation passed through four generations of Massie men until it closed in 1964.
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Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: June 24, 2022
