Rock Island’s Cotton Mill In Need Of Repairs

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Warren County are partnering to preserve Rock Island’s Great Falls Cotton Mill.

Rock Island Park Manager Damon Graham said the national registered mill is in danger of collapsing if nothing is done.

“It is a very significant sight as far as history and cultural resource in the region, really,” Graham said. “With it approaching 130-years-old, it is really kind of getting into a state of disrepair.”

Graham said the park is interested in adding a museum and meeting room while repairs are made. Before action is taken, TDEC is seeking public comment on what the community wants for the mill. The results will be used in a feasibility study conducted by the Warren County Industrial Board.

“The park system hosted that public meeting last week,” Graham said. “There is an open comment period, right now, for any park visitors, stakeholders, anybody that has an interest in the park. There is a link on our web page that you can submit comments and things like that. That will be open through October 10th.”

The mill is three stories tall and sits on the river bluff. Graham said the input on what to do with the mill should be ready in the spring.

“The feasibility study should be starting in the next month or so,” Graham said. “Our time line in speaking with the industrial board would probably in the neighborhood of six months.”