History

The mill, now known as Yates Mill, began operating on this site in approximately 1756 and is currently the last mill of approximately 70 that were in and around what is now Wake County.

The mill was owned by Samuel Pearson and his heirs until 1819. After changing ownership several times, the Yates family continually operated the mill from 1863 to 1947. It was then owned by a corporation under the direction of A.E. Finley until sold to North Carolina State University in 1963. Evidence indicates that it was last operated to grind corn in 1953.

The mill stood vacant for several years until Yates Mill Associates, Inc. began restoration efforts in 1988. The mill is an outstanding example of the Oliver Evans type of grist mill and has been restored to its state as of the mid-1800s. Both the corn and wheat grinding machinery have been restored. Several corn grindings have been held since the mill officially opened to the public on May 20, 2006. The mill is frequently open for historic tours and corn grinding is demonstrated on specific days. Modest fees are charged for mill tours.

The restoration of the mill and its availability to the public came about as a result of a cooperative venture among several partners. Yates Mill Associates, Inc. restored the mill with donations from governmental agencies, NC State University, foundations, corporations, and many private citizens. North Carolina State University provided 154 acres on a long-term lease and will use the park for ongoing natural history research. Wake County purchased 16 acres to add to the park and The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have provided access to an adjacent parcel of about 400 acres for park use. The Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department oversaw the development of this 574 acre park. The County supervised the construction of the A.E. Finley Center for Education and Research and provides the personnel and support needed to operate the park. Yates Mill Associates provides for the maintenance of the mill and its demonstration using private donations and volunteer help. The partnerships among a private, non-profit organization, a county government, a major university, and a department of the state government made possible something that no one agency would do alone.

Historic Yates Mill County Park currently features the restored mill, a large visitor center containing a museum focused on milling and on the natural history of the area, classrooms, an auditorium and space for research conducted by N.C. State University faculty and students, a 20 acre lake and extensive hiking trails. The park is managed as a native wildlife refuge with a mission to study and interpret the park's cultural, natural, and agricultural heritage.

The park is open to the public 8 A.M. to sunset, 361 days of the year.

For a schedule of corn grindings and mill tours, contact the park staff at
919-856-6675 or www.wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.