News and events sponsored by Yates Mill Associates
Stop by this page to see the latest news and events sponsored by Yates Mill Associates, the non-profit founded in 1989 by a group of local history buffs to restore, preserve, and operate Yates Mill. Built in 1756, Yates Mill is the only fully restored and operational automatic mill in North Carolina and one of just a few historic automated water mills in the United States.
Replacing the Waterwheel at Yates Mill
The waterwheel at Yates Mill was replaced in 2025. Outliving its projected lifespan by a decade, the waterwheel at Yates Mill had deteriorated to the point that repairs were no longer possible. Since all of the power found at Yates Mill is supplied by the waterwheel, we could no longer grind corn safely. Ben Hassett, an experienced wheelwright, rebuilt the waterwheel at Yates Mill in 2025.
Story in The News and Observer
Pictures from July 10th – the first day of waterwheel disassembly
Learn more about the history of the waterwheel, details about why it needs replaced, and how you can help!