It is significant as a well-preserved early grist mill, and as the boyhood home of Stonewall Jackson, a prominent Confederate general in the American Civil War.

The center of the Jackson farm was located on the peninsula formed by the confluence of Freeman's Creek and the West Fork River.

Edward Jackson (1759–1828) built a home on a prominent knoll 100 yards from the West Fork; the two-story frontier-style log structure was 40 feet by 20.

The interior of the mill retains a significant amount of original woodwork and equipment, including large cog wheels.

The story is told that Thomas Jackson once made a deal with one of his uncle's slaves to provide him with pine knots in exchange for reading lessons.

Virginia law prohibited teaching slaves to read or write, but young Jackson taught the man as promised.