Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is a California state park located in Napa County between St. Helena and Calistoga. The park is the site of a water-powered grist mill that was built in 1846 is one of only two water-driven mills remaining west of the Mississippi River.HistoryThe mill was established in 1846 by Dr. Edward Turner Bale on property in Rancho Carne Humana land grant. Bale lived near the site until his death in 1849.The gristmill and granary were built with local materials, Douglas firs and coast redwoods. Some timbers were cut to length with the bark left on, while others were roughed out with hand tools. The timbers were notched and held in place with wooden pegs as well as nails and screws. The foundation of the structure is native stone. The mill was powered by a waterwheel, with water diverted from Mill Creek nearby. A ditch carried the water from a millpond to a wooden flume, which brought the water to the top of the waterwheel. The first wheel did not provide enough power during dry summers and was replaced by a larger one, similar to the one at the mill today.The mill was once the center of social activity as Napa Valley settlers gathered to have their corn and wheat ground into meal or flour. Farmers brought grain to the mill where it was placed into the boot of an elevator to be mechanically transported upstairs where it was cleaned by various types of equipment. The slow turning of the old grind stones and the dampness of the mill's site gave the meal a special quality for making cornbread, yellowbread, shortening bread and spoonbread. As old timers put it, "When meal comes to you that way, like the heated underside of a settin' hen, it bakes bread that makes city bread taste like cardboard."
"Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, in the northern heart of the Napa Valley, offers an authentic peek into Californians’ rural heritage. Built in 1846 by Edward Turner Bale, this fully restored water-powered grist mill is now managed by the Napa Open Space District. The Bale Grist Mill is in full operation and is open for demonstrations/tours on weekends and some holiday Mondays. Various community events are held at the mill including a pancake breakfast in May, Harvest Dinner in August, Fiesta en el Molino Bale in September, Old Mill Days in October and a Pioneer Christmas in December.Tours generally last 45 minutes and start at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.Fee:$8- Adults$3- Under 18 yrFree- Under 6 yr"
