Bridgeton Mill to mark 200 years

A popular attraction in Parke County is getting ready to celebrate a milestone. Our partners at WTWO-TV report the Bridgeton Mill will mark its 200th anniversary on the Fourth of July.

The Bridgeton Mill bills itself as the oldest continually operating mill in Indiana, opening every year since 1823. A 261-foot covered bridge located above the mill pond was built over four decades later and is a staple of the annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival.

Owner Mike Roe told the station there initially weren’t any plans to mark the anniversary, but community interest led to a chance in plans. He said the support of the community has been special.

“This has become like the highlight of the county,” Roe said. “If you go to Paris you expect to see the Eiffel Tower. So, this is like kind of become the Eiffel Tower of Parke County.”

Roe said he hasn’t finalized details on what will take place at the celebration. The mill is scheduled to reopen on April 1.