Entry No. 45 — the Nashville file — filed under: ruins

Harpeth River State Park - Newsom's Mill

Built in 1862 by Joseph Morton Newsom, this historic gristmill was constructed from massive, hand-dressed limestone blocks laid entirely without mortar. While its wooden roof and interior floors were destroyed by a fire around 1960, the impressive three-story stone shell and turbine-powered iron machinery still stand. Today, it is preserved as a state historic site where visitors can examine the masonry and search for the original stonecutters' Roman numerals.

The move: Take a scenic drive to the park, walk the short trail to the mill ruins to admire the historic masonry, and enjoy a peaceful picnic along the banks of the Harpeth River.

📍 Before you go The ruins are located within the Newsom's Mill State Historic Area, a publicly accessible unit of Harpeth River State Park with designated parking and viewing platforms.

• 📍 Nashville
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 8729 Newsom Station Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Official site · tennesseeencyclopedia.net

last checked: 2026-07-20