The Bollinger Mill and covered bridge is an interesting place to spend an afternoon.  Located in the far western corner of Cape Girardeau County, there is a lot of history at the mill.  It is located in a small town of Burfordville.

    This site has been the location of grain milling for more than 180 years. Today's mill is the third one built on this site. The first two were built by George Frederick Bollinger, who came to this area in 1797 from North Carolina. He received a 640-acre land grant from Don Louis Lorimier, the Spanish commandant at Cape Girardeau. In return for the land, Bollinger agreed to develope the land and to bring more settlers from the east. He returned to North Carolina and in 1800, brought 20 families, including six of his brothers and their families, back to settle along the banks of the Whitewater River. The present four-story stone and brick gristmill was completed around 1867.

    The bridge was built by Joseph Lansmon starting in 1858. The Civil War, however, delayed construction and the bridge was not completed until 1868. The 140 foot Howe-truss designed bridge the oldest of only four covered bridges left in the state of Missouri. It has undergone many repairs through the years with the last major renovation completed in 1970's.

Things to do:

• Tour the mill
• Walk across the covered bridge
• Swim in the Whitewater River
• Fishing in the Whitewater River
• Grill some hotdogs

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Tours:

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Last edited: July 8, 2000.
Copyright © 2000.

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