Mill Point is an unincorporated community

 

Mill Point is an unincorporated community in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, United States. It is located at the junction of U.S. Route 219 and state routes 39 and 55, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) northeast of Hillsboro.

Mill Point is thought to have been settled in the mid-18th century, and it was originally known as "Fort Day." In 1774, a group of settlers built a fort at Mill Point to protect themselves from Native American attacks. The fort was named after Captain John Day, who was killed in a battle with Native Americans near Mill Point in 1778.

In the early 19th century, Mill Point began to grow as a small industrial village. Several mills were built in the area, and Mill Point became a center for the production of flour and other goods. Mill Point was also home to a blacksmith shop, a store, and several homes.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mill Point's population began to decline. The mills closed down, and the village's economy suffered. Today, Mill Point is a small community with a population of just a few hundred people.

One of the most notable things about Mill Point's history is that it was the birthplace of James E.A. Gibbs, the inventor of the chain stitch sewing machine. Gibbs was born in Mill Point in 1829, and he invented the chain stitch sewing machine in 1850. Gibbs's invention revolutionized the sewing industry, and it is still used in sewing machines today.

Today, Mill Point is a quiet community with a rich history. The McNeel Mill, one of the mills that was built in Mill Point in the early 19th century, has been restored and is now open to the public. The mill is a popular tourist attraction, and it provides a glimpse into Mill Point's past.