Hawn’s Mill (sometimes spelled Haun’s Mill) is a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints historical site located in Missouri. This site is the most remote church history site with the least to see, so it is only for true die-hard history buffs. However, if you’re in the area, make sure to also stop at Far West and Adam-ondi-Ahman.
History of Hawn’s Mill
One of the reasons we wanted to see Hawn’s Mill is because we have a family connection there. At this site in October of 1838, a mob attacked this small Mormon settlement. Women and girls ran into the woods to escape. Many of the men ran into the blacksmith shop where the massacre took place. The mob fired their weapons between the logs turning the building into a deathtrap. Those who tried to surrender were shot in the attempt. Then in a final disgusting act, several young boys who had taken refuge behind the bellows were taken out and shot execution style. In all, 17 Mormons were killed, including our ancestor Austin Hammer. The wounded included around 20 people, including his son, our great-great grandfather, Austin Hammer, Jr.
Hawn’s Mill Site
The problem with visiting Hawn’s Mill is that first, it is only accessible by gravel roads. It’s a long way on these roads, and there are blind hills often, where you have to slow and move over to avoid collisions. This makes the drive really long.
Secondly, there isn’t a whole lot to see when you arrive at the Hawn’s Mill site. There is a small parking area near a large open field where the mill once stood. You’ll know you’re there because of the ubiquitous blue signs used by the Church at these sites.. We almost drove away without finding the only indication that this site was special. To the left side of the parking lot just outside the fence, there is a small humped stone. If you walk over to it, there is a plaque laid that acknowledges that Hawn’s Mill stood in the field to the southeast. This plaque was laid a hundred years after the event, and nearly a hundred years ago. That’s all there is to see.
We are hoping that the church will expand this site, as we think it has the potential to tell a powerful story. However, it’s a long way to see very little as of 2026. For more information about visiting other church history sites in the area, visit our post here.
Millstone Monument
We did find out after our visit that there is a monument with the Hawn’s Mill millstone and the names of those who perished in the massacre located in the town of Breckenridge. This monument is not run by the church, but it would definitely be the place to stop if you want to remember those who died at Hawn’s Mill. More info here.
