The stones would be unloaded to allow the transport of goods back to Europe. The mill was built in Albemarle, North Carolina and was powered by steam engine. It is now powered by an electric motor. The stones are made of granite. The bottom stone, which weights 1800-pounds, remains stationary while the 1500 pound top stone turns.
Whole grain is fed through a hole in the middle of the stone.
The meal moves to the edge of the stones through groves that have been carved in the bottom stone. Then the corn meal funnels out the side. The stones can be adjusted so that the corn meal can be produced from fine to more course. The wooden cogs and pulleys that move the stones are hand made from hard wood. Part of the original equipment with the mill is a wooden hoist to lift the stone for cleaning, sharpening, and other maintenance.