Whitewater Canal State Historic Site has been the home of the Metamora Gristmill since it was built in 1845. After the canal transportation era ended, the canal was used as a source of power for many gristmills, including this one. It was originally built as a cotton mill by Jonathan Banes, a former engineer and participant in the digging of the Whitewater Canal.

Because cotton was not grown in the area, mill operation was not very profitable at first. Knowing this, Banes formed a partnership with a gentleman named Murry in 1857 and converted the cotton mill into a gristmill that ground corn and wheat.

The original mill was a three-story frame structure that burned in 1899. When rebuilt the following year, it was converted to the brick mill we see today. Visitors can stroll through the first floor of the mill and see corn meal, flour and grits being ground much as it was done nearly 50 years ago. Visitors may purchase the products produced at the mill.