A Unique Bedford Landmark— Part of Our Heritage

Big Otter Mill is an old saw and grist mill that has remained standing long after its original use. The Big Otter Mill Foundation's mission is to restore the mill for the purpose of historical preservation as a working mill. The architecturally unique mill has a long history of owners and usage that can all be read about on this website. The project welcomes donations and volunteer to help restore, preserve and open the mill as a part of a working component of the area's heritage.

Big Otter Mill is situated on the bank of the Big Otter River, a few miles north of the City of Bedford, Virginia on Route 122 North. The site of this mill has been used for grist and sawmills for more than two hundred years. This mill was first built & operated by Joseph Hardy, Sr., a veteran of the Revolutionary War who settled here in the late 1700s. In 1785 the county granted him permission to erect a mill at this site which became operational in the 18th century.

Tours of the mill are available at special events and by appointment.
Please call 1-540-537-4363 for more information.

Thanks to our 2011 Harvest Festival Sponsors:

This years festival will be held on Saturday October 8, 2011

Silent Auction

Beautiful One of a Kind artwork and quilt done by Kathleen Husted available for silent auction during our Harvest Festival.

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Kathleen Husted painting

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Kathleen Husted Quilt

Title Sponsor

Master Engineers & Designers, Inc.
 904 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, VA

Community Sponsors

 Bank of the James
Johnson Orchards, Peaks of Otter Winery

Participating Sponsors

Becky Wuergler, Realtor
Carilion Bedford Memorial Hospital
Goose Creek Studios
A.J. Gross & Sons/Mountain Fruit & Produce
Bank of Fincastle

Special Thanks to:

Special thanks to Andrew Solutions, Jerry and Teresa Craig, Bedford Host Lions Club,  L.R. Robey. Stellarone, Benefit Solutions Insurance Agency, Arthur's Business Service, Southern Flavoring Co., Inc., Del. Lacey E. Putney, Witt Mechanical, Inc., Scott & Bond, Inc.,
In-Kind Donors:  K & K Signs; Joseph Pillow Auctioneers; Carlton & Rachel Toms; Lynchburg Restoration; DelCo Development: Bedford Welcome Center.