Local residents say goodbye to Tallassee’s historic mill

Firefighters battled the massive fire at the historic Mount Vernon Mills for 12 straight hours, but even days later hot spots remain in the rubble left behind. (Corey Arwood / The Tribune)

Last Wednesday night people lined the Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge to watch Mount Vernon Mill No. 2 burn to the ground. What many did not realize is just how close the fire was to the city’s water plant. The first responders acted quickly to stop the fire from affecting the city’s water filter plant, which is located within feet of the mill.