Terrell's Mill: A History of Georgia's Industrial and Urban Landmarks
The name Terrell's Mill is associated with two distinct locations in Georgia. While one represents the agricultural and industrial heritage of Clayton County along the Flint River, the other is a prominent geographic marker in North Atlanta, evolving from a rural path into a critical modern arterial road.
The Industrial Legacy of Terrell's Mill in Clayton County
Located on the Flint River in Clayton County, south of the Atlanta Airport, Terrell's Mill served as a hub of local commerce for decades. The mill utilized a water turbine to turn its mill stone, providing essential services to the surrounding community.
The facility was established around 1870 by John Calhoun Terrell and his son, Francis Leonard. Under Francis Leonard's management, the site expanded far beyond a simple grist mill—a facility used for grinding grain into flour. He operated a diverse business empire that included a saw mill, a syrup mill, a cotton gin, a country store, and a farm. Additionally, Francis Leonard served the community as a justice of the peace.
The mill's operations continued until approximately 1942, when it was managed by Lowell S. Terrell, the son of Francis Leonard. Although the mill no longer stands, its legacy persists through the naming of Terrell's Mill Road on local maps.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Early Work of John Calhoun Terrell
Before establishing the 1870 mill, John Calhoun Terrell was active in the region's milling industry. Around 1858, he moved from Pike County, Georgia, to build a mill for Alexander Lynn Huie on Jesters (Murcheons) Creek, north of Pineridge Road in Forest Park. Shortly after completing this project, he married Alexander's daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Huie, in 1858, and remained in the area to raise ten children—five sons and five daughters.
John C. Terrell also built a mill around 1858 on the Flint River. This site, located approximately where the Delta Air Lines Jet Base now stands at the Atlanta Airport, later became known as Stark's Mill on the property of Stark's Dairy.
Terrell Mill Road in North Atlanta
Separate from the Clayton County site, another Terrell Mill is located in North Atlanta. This location has no known relationship to the Terrell family of Clayton County but has become a significant landmark in the region's urban development.
Terrell Mill Road serves as a major arterial road, beginning at Cobb Parkway and running northeast under I-75. It curves north to cross Powers Ferry Road and the east end of Delk Road before terminating at Lower Roswell Road. The roadway continues northeast as Lower Roswell Road, though the transition was historically "broken," requiring drivers to make a turn to proceed.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Modern Infrastructure and Development
The area surrounding Terrell Mill Road has undergone significant transformation. Terrell Mill Park is situated on the southwest side of the road, where it briefly runs concurrent with the original Paper Mill Road. A small section previously known as Terrell Mill Drive still appears on Google Maps, though it was widened in the late 2000s to add an extra lane that bypasses a traffic light on Lower Roswell Road toward Old Canton Road.
The road's engineering reflects the growth of the city. While some sections feature landscaped medians from the 1980s and 1990s, the underpass below I-75 narrows to four lanes. This specific dip is prone to flooding during thunderstorms due to runoff from the highway and the slope toward Rottenwood Creek. Recently, the Northwest Corridor HOV/BRT project added an exit and entrance to the reversible HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lanes at this location.
Commercial Significance
Terrell Mill Road also holds a place in American corporate history. In the 1980s, the first Home Depot store opened at the intersection of Terrell Mill Road and Cobb Parkway in Marietta Plaza (a site that previously housed a Treasure Island and now hosts a Burlington Coat Factory). The company's first headquarters were also located in a nearby office park on Terrell Mill Road.
Key Facts
- Clayton County Mill: Built around 1870 by John Calhoun Terrell and Francis Leonard; operated until circa 1942.
- Diverse Operations: The Clayton County site included a grist mill, saw mill, syrup mill, cotton gin, and country store.
- North Atlanta Road: A major arterial road with no known connection to the Clayton County Terrells.
- Corporate History: The first Home Depot store and its first headquarters were located on Terrell Mill Road in Marietta.
- Infrastructure: The North Atlanta road features a flood-prone dip under I-75 and new access to HOT lanes.
| Feature | Clayton County Site | North Atlanta Site |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Nature | Industrial/Agricultural Mill | Urban Arterial Road |
| Key Figures | John C. Terrell, Francis Leonard Terrell | N/A |
| Water Source | Flint River / Jesters Creek | Rottenwood Creek (nearby) |
| Current Status | No longer exists (Road remains) | Active major roadway |
| Notable Landmark | Delta Air Lines Jet Base (former site) | First Home Depot Store |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the two Terrell's Mill locations related?
No, there is no known relationship between the Terrell's Mill in Clayton County and the Terrell Mill Road located in North Atlanta.
Who operated the mill in Clayton County?
The mill was built by John Calhoun Terrell and his son Francis Leonard around 1870, and was last operated around 1942 by Lowell S. Terrell.
What businesses were located at the Clayton County mill site?
In addition to the grist mill, the site hosted a saw mill, a syrup mill, a cotton gin, a country store, and a farm.
Why does the road under I-75 on Terrell Mill Road often flood?
The road narrows to four lanes in a steep dip to fit through the underpass, which collects water from the road, the highway, and the slope leading to Rottenwood Creek during thunderstorms.
What is the connection between Home Depot and Terrell Mill Road?
The first Home Depot store was located at the intersection of Terrell Mill Road and Cobb Parkway, and the company's first headquarters were situated in a nearby office park on the same road.