Bynum Cotton Mill Race

In the wake of heavy rains, floating river debris and uprooted trees wreak havoc on the historic Bynum Cotton Mill Race.

Excavated around 1872, the mill race runs about 2000 feet parallel to the Haw River. Originally a wooden dam upstream diverted river flows to power mill water wheels. In time turbines and electrical generators made use of the same mill race to provide power for the textile mill, as well as the company town of Bynum. Said boon made the hamlet one of the first areas in Chatham County to enjoy electric lights. Operations ended in 1983. 

© Ilija Lukić 2022