The small village of Rock Mill was founded in 1799 by Joseph Loveland and Hezekiah Smith. They built a mill, store, distillery, and a tavern. The mill was the first one built on the Hocking River. It was intended to be a combination of a grist and woolen mill, but the woolen machinery was never added. Despite all of their hard work, they were forced to leave the village by the local Indians due to all of the alcohol they produced and provided.

Rock Mill was built in 1824 by Christian Morehart, above the original mill site. It was powered by a huge overshot water wheel that measured 36 feet in diameter. The mill was owned by several different people over the years before being acquired by the Alspaugh Family. A descendant of the family, W.S. Alspaugh, still owns it. The mill was converted to steam power sometime between 1890-1900. The milling operation ceased in 1907. Today, Rock Mill is being restored by the Ohio Archaeological Society and the Ohio Historical Society. Nearly $75,000 has been raised for the restoration. Rock Mill is the oldest and largest mill in Ohio.

During the Fall of 1898, Fred Meyers was leaving a meeting that had been held at the mill when something tragic happened. The horse that was pulling his buggy suddenly got frightened and took of running towards the edge of the cliff. Fearing for his life, Meyers quickly jumped out. Unfortunately, he lost his footing and fell 50 feet into the ravine below. He passed away a week later due to the severe injuries he suffered.