Workers begin demolition work at the Thompson Mill Dam on Wednesday afternoon.
Elissa Maudlin | Daily Journal
By Elissa Maudlin | Daily Journal
For The Republic
EDINBURGH — Demolition of Edinburgh’s Thompson Mill Dam began Wednesday afternoon.
About a dozen people gathered near Gary’s Dam Bait Shop to watch workers with excavators begin the process of removing the limestone blocks that make up the dam. From teens to seniors, Edinburgh residents gathered to watch the cherished, historic low-head dam fall.
The Edinburgh Town Council ordered the demolition of the dam after it failed just over a year ago. Town officials tried to save it, but determined after research it was not financially feasible or in the interest of public safety to do so. The demolition is being paid for by a federal grant and comes at no cost to the town.
The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The 10-foot limestone dam was initially built by John Thompson, who ran the former Thompson Mill. The dam was created to make sure the mill’s waterwheel had enough water supply, however, it has not been operational since the mill closed in 1957.
The dam doesn’t serve any purpose aside from aesthetics today, but it is a cherished landmark. The river is a popular swimming and fishing spot for the community.
Town officials say people are welcome to observe the demolition. In the initial stages of demolition, there is extra traffic control around State Road 252 and Eisenhower Drive to ensure onlookers are safe.
