The mill was originally powered by a 14-foot tall turbine driven by the force of Sweetwater Creek.
Union General Kenner Garrard ordered the destruction of the mill because it produced textiles for the Confederate army.
The structure is built from locally quarried granite.
After being burned in 1864, the mill was never rebuilt, leaving the walls to be reclaimed by the surrounding forest.
The mill played a role in the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 as the ruins of District 12.
The New Manchester Mill Ruins are the remains of a five-story textile factory built in 1849 on the banks of Sweetwater Creek. Union troops burned the mill during the Civil War in July 1864, leaving only the granite shell that stands today. The site is located within Sweetwater Creek State Park and serves as a preserved historic artifact of industrial Georgia. Visitors can view the ruins from designated overlooks which provide structural details of the original masonry. The mill was originally powered by the rapids of the creek, which continue to flow through the park grounds.
The designated wooden observation deck provides an unobstructed view of the entire mill facade.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the path includes gravel and uneven terrain.
Bring bug spray, as the proximity to the creek can lead to high mosquito activity in warmer months.
Visit the park visitor center first to see historical artifacts and detailed maps of the mill's layout.
Do not attempt to cross the creek to get closer to the ruins; the current is dangerous and off-limits to protect the site.
Stay on marked trails and do not climb, touch, or deface the historic stone walls.
