The 1996 Clifton Mill Covered Bridge spans Little Miami River in Greene County, Ohio. This 90-foot bridge is located adjacent to the historic Clifton Mill, one of the largest water-powered grist mills still in existence.

The first mill at this site was built in 1802 by Owen Davis, a Revolutionary War soldier, and frontiersman miller. The mill was built in this location to take advantage of the natural power of the concentrated water funneled into the gorge. Owen Davis and his son-in-law, General Benjamin Whiteman also built a saw mill and a distillery. Soon a village known as Davis Mills sprang up around the mills. The Little Miami River powered five other mills that were built within a mile of Historic Clifton Mill; a woolen mill, sawmill, paper mill, barrel mill, and another grist mill. Historic Clifton Mill is the only one still standing.

At one time there were approximately 100,000 mills in the US. Now there are less than 100 still in their original operating condition. On display inside Clifton Mill is a collection of over 300 flour bags from mills around the country. Many of these bags are over 100 years old and are beautiful, colorful examples of some of America's first advertising practices.

For over 20 years Clifton Mill has celebrated the Christmas season in a very special way. Their light display, featured in Midwest Living and Ohio Magazine, is one of the country's finest with over 3.5 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees, and bridges. There is even a 100-foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights.

Located at:  N39 47.628    W83 49.525    -    WGCB #35-29-B

Photographed in May 2022