FLATTED FIFTH BLUES and BBQ - THE INN AT POTTER'S MILL

Potter first came to the Bellevue area in search of a location for a flour mill. In 1843 Potter and local millwright John Gammel built “The Mill” on the banks of Mill Creek, just off the mighty Mississippi River. “The Mill”, cost about $40,000 in total to build at the time. The foundation of the building and the eleven-foot thick dam were constructed from limestone quarried from the bluffs south across the creek, now Bellevue State Park. Locally sourced hand-hewn walnut and oak beams up to 45 feet long and 15 inches wide framed the building. The structure was first powered by an overshot waterwheel along the south side of the building. The waterwheel was 20 feet in diameter, with buckets 12 feet wide. It was capable of generating 100 horsepower.