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Watkins Woolen Mill & State Park Missouri

July 29, 2024  •  2 Comments

Nestled in the rolling hills of Northwest Missouri, near Lawson and Excelsior Springs, is the only 19th-century textile mill in the United States with its original machinery. 

 

Lawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park MillLawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park Mill

 

The Watkins Woolen Mill is part of a plantation owned by Waltus L. Watkins and was built around 1860. 

 

Lawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park BarnLawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park Barn

 

The Bethany Farm, a small livestock farm, here long before the mill, was established in 1839. The 1200 acre farm was surrounded by smaller sections and tenant farms.  Watkins sold his services of his mills, blacksmith shop and kiln to area residents. 

 

Lawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park SheepLawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park Sheep

 

Watkins raised shorthorn cattle, Missouri mules, horses, sheep, pigs and poultry, with his nine children helping manage the family business. 
 

 

Lawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park ResidenceLawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park Residence

 

By 1870, ten years after the Woolen Mill was built, the Bethany Farm had expanded to a 3600+ acre agricultural and industrial enterprise. Two years prior, Watkins had entered into a partnership with his son John, establishing W.L. Watkins and Son. After Waltus death, three of his sons continued operations as Jno. H. Watkins & Bros. 

 

Lawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park Mt. Vernon ChurchLawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park Mt. Vernon Church

 

The Mount Vernon Church, along with the Franklin Academy school, an octagonal building, were established adjacent to the plantation. 

 

Lawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park Franklin SchoolLawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park Franklin School

 

 

The Watkins family lived here until 1945 when they sold the farm and mill. It wasn't until 1958 that the Watkins Mill Association was formed and purchased the family home and mill to open them to the public. The land became part of the Missouri State Park system in 1964, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, and was named National Mechanical Engineering Historic Landmark in 1980.  
 

 

Lawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park TrailLawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park Trail

 

After exploring the museum and visitors center, take a stroll down the wooded path and explore the history. The state of Missouri has done an excellent job in preserving the mill complex in its original 1870 glory days.  Guided tours, about two hours long, are offered by the visitors' center.  

 

Lawson, MO - Watkins Woolen Mill GravesLawson, MO - Watkins Woolen Mill GravesThe Watkins family cemetery at Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site near Lawson, Missouri.

 

Graves of the early Watkins family are just off the walking path after exiting the museum. For more information, hours, tour availability, and more, see the state park website here. 

 

Excelsior Springs, MO - Main StreetExcelsior Springs, MO - Main Street

 

Although Watkins Mill State Park is listed with a Lawson, Missouri address, coming out of the south end of the park, if you take a left onto Highway 92, about 5 miles away, is Excelsior Springs. 

 

Excelsior Springs, MO - Elms HotelExcelsior Springs, MO - Elms Hotel

 

This is where you will find the historic Elms Hotel, built in 1888. Actually, the first one burnt down 10 years after being built, and it took another 10 to rebuild, celebrating its re-opening in 1909. Oh, but wait, it, too, burned down less than two years later. Finally, they got wise and rebuilt the Elms in native Missouri Stone, which still stands today after its opening in 1912. Read about the history and haunts of the Elms Hotel here. 

 

 

Kearney, MO - James Family HomeKearney, MO - James Family HomePhoto by Kathy Alexander.

 

Taking the opposite direction out of the State Park, a right onto Highway 92 will bring you by one of Missouri's most famous family farms. The James Farm, where both Jessie and Frank were raised. 

 

 

Kearney, MO - Jesse James Home, 1877Kearney, MO - Jesse James Home, 1877

 

It was here that Jesse James was whipped as a teenager by Union militia who strung up his stepfather and burned nearby farms. It was also here that Zerelda watched as her son Archie was murdered by Pinkerton detectives in an attack where she lost her right hand.

 

 

Kearney, MO - James Farm Original Jesse GraveKearney, MO - James Farm Original Jesse GraveOriginal Jesse James Grave at the James Farm in Kearney, Missouri by Kathy Weiser-Alexander.


After Jesse was killed, he was buried here, where she could protect the grave from trespassers or souvenir hunters.

 

Kearney, MO - James Family GravesKearney, MO - James Family GravesJames Family Graves in Kearney, Missouri by Kathy Weiser-Alexander.

 

Later, his body was re-interred at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kearney. Read more about Jessie James here. 

Also read:

Frank - The Other James Boy

The James Younger Gang - Terror in the Heartland

The Haunted James Farm

 

Lawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park CampgroundLawson, MO - Watkins Mill State Park CampgroundCampground at Watkins Mill State Park.

 

For Campers and RV'ers, Reserve your spot at Watkins Mill State Park Campgrounds. The State Park features a 100-acre lake, paved bike path, fishing, and picnic spots, with 96 campsites, 74 of which have electric. There are five sites accessible to campers with disabilities.  For more information, see the Watkins Mill State Park campground site here. 

 

See you on the Road!

 

 

 

Keywords: Elms Hotel, Excelsior Springs, Jessie James Farm, Watkins Mill

Comments

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Craig Schaumburg(non-registered)
I love this . You are doing history a service. Thanks for all the info.
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