wvu jackson's mill farmstead

Working blacksmith demonstration, working grist mill and able to purchase whole wheat flour and corn meal actually ground at the site. Will return in warmer weather for more inspection. Ate at the 4-H camp cafeteria. Delicious meal.

When we went it was open from Wed - SUn. They do charge an admission but it was worth it. The tour is great, the history fascinating, and the gift shop is quaint.

If you want an interesting hands on history lesson go to the Jubilee over the Labor Day weekend at Jackson's Mill Farmstead in Weston WV. Craftsmen making instruments from the 1800's , applebutter made right in front of you, quilting like you've never seen and so many other things that you'll be busy and intertained at the same time. The central tent has constant local entertainment coming from current and future stars. You'll park and ride to the main area in a hay wagon or on a school bus . . . your choice. If you want a trip back in time stop by next year over the Labor Day weekend, you will not be disappointed. We have been there probably 10 times over the years and it is always different yet the same. Go figure.

The farmstead is a few miles off the main road and is actually located in a 4H camp. When we visited the camp was in full swing with young men all over. The farmstead was in a small section with just a few houses and buildings. The price was too high for what we could see and did not waste our money.

Enjoyed our stay. Not fancy, but clean and nice area. Historic area with a lot to do. Great restaurant close by, hickory house barbecue. Recommend it for one or two nights.

If you are a 4-Her you need to visit. The farmstead shows a little about life in a log cabin. Beautiful grounds on the 4-H camp. Reserve a stay in one of the houses on site. A different vacation for your family.

The web site is not very clear about whether or not there are or when there will be live actors at the buildings. You could look in the doors of the buildings but there was not much information. For example, there is functioning grist mill but no good info on how it works for those who may not have seen it before. At least a series of pictures would have been nice.

The area was beautiful and we would have liked to tour the site, but we were there on a Monday and they were closed (only open Wed - Sat, I think). The conference center was very attractive.

Jackson's Mill is worth going out of your way to see. The "Farmstead" is the historic portion of the WVU facility (open 10am-5pm, Wednesday - Saturday). Their website is a bit confusing. (http://jacksonsmill.ext.wvu.edu/). When you arrive, go directly to the General Store and ask for a tour. There's a nominal fee ($5 adults) but no waiting unless there's a tour underway. My husband and I arrive on a Friday, around 11am and had a private tour. Gabby provided a very thorough explanation of life at Jackson's Mill.Although there are only two original buildings, there's a fully functioning mill (circa 1790) on the site. I believe it was originally in Ohio. Neither my husband nor I have ever seen such a complete mill. There are other historic buildings that were moved from various locations like the 1793 McWhorter Cabin (originally near Hacker's Creek). As a collection, they provide a view into life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The original Jackson Mill building contains a museum that houses, among other things, an inoperable saw mill (very interesting, nonetheless) and a McCormick Reaper. This tour is appropriate for mature teens and adults. Because the tour is so personalized, I'm certain Gabby would find a way to accommodate younger children.

This place was an unexpected jewel during our visit. We knew nothing about it, and our docent/guide was informative and thorough, while keeping our tour moving along. Anyone who likes history, agriculture or local lore would love this place.

The site was not open due to the time of the year, but visitors are allowed to wonder around the buildings and read the markers outside the buildings. The site is owned and managed by WVU and has two log cabins, the old mill, a blacksmith's shop, and another mill next to the mill-pond. The whole site is located on a river. They have a visitor's center, but as I stated, it was closed for the season. The whole site is part of a large 4H camp.The best part is being able to imagine Stonewall Jackson as a young boy wondering around the site and next to the river. Don't believe I will get back to see the site when it is open, but for those wanting to see a site associated with Gen. Jackson, I think it is worth the trek outside Weston, WV just off Hwy 19.

I have visited here as a day trip with a family to see the historical things and twice as a weekend women's retreat. Our historical tour was great for the kids. Info about Jackson and his family and tours of the various buildings. I love history and have dragged my kids to a lot of historical sites in the past. We saw the usual spinning, weaving demo, the mill was grinding corn. More unusual was when the kids got to dip their own candle and marble paper. My toddler got restless, which is expected, but the staff was very nice and kind to her and even gave her a little braided friendship bracelet. For the retreat, we stayed in the cabins, which were rustic but very clean. (Except the rust on the inside of the bathroom stall walls. I think they have oversprayed strong cleaning chemicals on them which damaged the surface.) They provided bed sheets, a blanket and pillows, but I would recommend bringing your own pillow and another blanket. The food was good, not fabulous. The setting was absolutely gorgeous. I recommend visiting in Oct to see the fall leaves!

Come see this well maintained jewel. A little off the beaten path but well worth the effort. We were able to stay in one of the camp houses and found them to be very clean, and well maintained. The gas heaters are very noisy, but most of you will probably elect to make this a summer destination. You will have to beat off the deer in this area as you drive through Dearfield you will see how they named this town.

The old house burnt down a while ago, serveral new structures including an old stone mill have been moved here - the mill is done very well.

Jackson's Mill Jubilee was wonderful...many crafters, great weather, very reasonable fee to enter. My kids go to 4H camp here each summer and weekend camps throughout the year...very clean, good food, great staff!