The History of Peter’s Mill
Research gathered from various sources, references available upon request.

Peter’s Mill stood for over 50 years on the west bank of the Wildcat Creek near the current site of Peters Mill Landing and Eisenhower Road Bridge.

The site was originally purchased on Christmas Eve in 1824 by John I. Davidson at the same government sale in Crawfordsville where William Digby purchased the land that would become the city of Lafayette. As early as 1828, Dan Isley built and had been operating a lumber mill, grist mill, and a still at this location. Herman Peter and his partner, John C. Bansemer, bought the property in 1845 from Charles L. Alridge, who had purchased it from Isley.

Construction on Peter's Mill began in 1847, and it was the largest mill ever built on the Wildcat or any of its tributaries. A massive, one-of-a-kind undershot wheel originally powered the mill. In 1865, the huge water wheel was replaced by five turbines: one for each set of buhrs. There were three sets of buhrs for wheat, one for corn, and one for buckwheat. The previous mill had only two sets of buhrs.

Because the site was so scenic and conveniently located near Lafayette, it served as a venue for social gatherings. In its heyday, it was a popular place where men gathered to drink and play cards. An article in the Lafayette Courier newspaper referred to a “fishnic” at the mill in 1850. There were also many dances held at Peter's Mill. With as many as five sets or "quadrilles", the townspeople danced all night to the music of fiddlers.

Though Herman Peter’s name has continued to be associated with the mill, he only owned the site for a few years. He terminated his connection with it after the new mill was completed in 1848. The mill operated commercially until around 1882 and was used for custom work for a short time after that. The mill changed hands frequently until it was dismantled and the materials were sold in 1897.

On September 6, 1991, one and a half acres near the old mill site were purchased by the Wildcat Creek Foundation to provide public access to the creek.