Author Archive: Ultimateplaces Photography

Mchargue’s Mill Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park – London, Kentucky

Mchargue's Mill Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park - London, Kentucky

McHargue’s Mill is a historic landmark situated within Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park near London, Kentucky. This fully operational gristmill, originally constructed in the early 1930s, serves as a tribute to the early pioneers who settled in the area. Powered by the waters of Little Laurel River, the mill still grinds cornmeal and flour using traditional methods. Its picturesque setting, complete with a scenic waterwheel and rustic charm, draws visitors year-round. Adjacent to the mill, a museum showcases a fascinating collection of over 50 millstones from across the United States, reflecting the evolution of milling technology. McHargue’s Mill not only preserves an essential part of Appalachian heritage but also offers a tangible connection to Kentucky’s rich history.

Bellamy Lake – Snowy Mountain Range – Laramie, Wyoming

Bellamy Lake - Snowy Mountain Range - Laramie, Wyoming

A winding road leads through a serene alpine landscape featuring Bellamy Lake surrounded by evergreen trees and dramatic cliffs ridgeline of Medicine Bow Peak. The scene captures the essence of a picturesque and rugged natural environment.

The Snowy Range is a breathtaking subrange of the Medicine Bow Mountains located in southeastern Wyoming. Renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery, the range features towering granite peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and lush meadows carpeted with wildflowers during the summer months. Medicine Bow Peak, the highest point in the range at 12,013 feet, offers panoramic views that attract hikers and climbers alike. The area is also rich in history, named after the Native American tribes who used the region’s wood to craft bows. Today, the Snowy Range is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing in a serene and unspoiled wilderness setting.

Harrison Mayes Roadside Cross – Appalachia, Tennessee

Harrison Mayes Roadside Cross - Appalachia, Tennessee

A heart-shaped stone sign with the inscription “PREPARE TO MEET GOD” stands against a brick wall, surrounded by lush green plants. The rustic background and creeping ivy add a serene yet solemn atmosphere.

Harrison Mayes was a fascinating figure in 20th-century Americana, known for his unique roadside crosses and religious markers that dotted highways across the United States. Born in 1898 in Tennessee, Mayes was a coal miner who survived a near-fatal mining accident. This life-changing event inspired him to dedicate his life to spreading Christian messages in unconventional ways.

Mayes crafted large, concrete crosses and heart-shaped markers, inscribed with phrases like “Jesus Saves” and “Get Right with God.” He placed these markers along highways, roadsides, and even near railways, aiming to reach as many travelers as possible with his messages of faith. His crosses were often brightly painted and striking, ensuring they caught the attention of passersby.

What made Harrison Mayes truly unique was his foresight and dedication. He envisioned a world where his messages would endure, even going so far as to create markers intended for placement on other planets, should humans ever colonize space. His work reflected a combination of deep religious conviction and a remarkable sense of creativity.

Today, many of Mayes’ markers remain scattered across the country, serving as reminders of his mission and as intriguing examples of American folk art and roadside culture. Preservation efforts by historians and enthusiasts have helped keep his legacy alive, celebrating his unusual and heartfelt contributions to faith and roadside history.