Watts Mill, originally called Fitzhugh’s Mill, was constructed in 1832–1833 by brothers John Fitzhugh and George Fitzhugh on the banks of Indian Creek in what is now Dallas, Missouri. The brothers patented 40 acres of land there, choosing the site for its rushing waters, limestone edges, and natural waterfall, a perfect location for a sawmill. The mill was built of hand-hewn native oak and walnut and initially operated as a sawmill. Its success in processing timber led to a conversion to a gristmill in the 1840s, when millstones were imported from France. By the mid-19th century, it had become a central hub for early settlers, Native Americans, and travelers on the Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail, serving as a place to grind corn and wheat, trade goods, and rest. The mill’s location made it a waystation for wagon trains heading west, and it was even mentioned in the diary of James Nesmith in 1843 as a meeting point for 800 pioneers en route to Oregon. Over the decades, the mill changed hands several times — notably purchased in 1852 by Anthony Watts, after whom the mill became known. Under the leadership of Stubbins Watts (Anthony’s son) after the Civil War, the mill was expanded in 1860 to two stories and had its paddle wheel enclosed. It continued operating into the 20th century, grinding buckwheat and cornmeal when it could no longer compete with modern Kansas City mills. The mill closed in 1939, and in 1942, its cast iron and steel were donated for scrap during World War II. The original stone foundation and some mill stones remain visible today along Indian Creek at 103rd & State Line Rd. Indian Creek, Missouri, and the site is now part of Watts Mill Park in south Kansas City.     

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