Sgt. Alvin C. York returned from World War I as a hero, becoming one of America's most celebrated soldiers. He arrived in Pall Mall, Tennessee, to a massive ceremony lead by Governor A.H. Roberts. After a hero's welcome, the Rotary Club pledged to assist York, paying for a new home in the Pall Mall area. Here in the Wolf River Valley the York newlyweds enjoyed 400 acres where his great-great grandfather, Old Coonrod Pile, once owned over a thousand acres.
   In time, York established a general store and post office across the street from his two and a half story home. In 1943, York added a grist mill on a big curve of the Wolf River (An American Heritage River) across the highway from his home. Built in the 1880s, the two story grist mill rests on stacked rock columns, producing power from a large submerged water turbine.
   Upon York's death, his widow Gracie sold the mill to the State of Tennessee. The mill was first added to Pickett State Park, but with the addition of the York residence and general store, the York Estate was separated into its own historic park site. The Sergeant Alvin C. York State Historic Park was honored with a National Historic Landmark designation in 1976 and park of the Year for history.
   The York Mill and home are open for daily tours, and the general store doubles as a visitor center. There's a wonderful picnic area and pavilion adjacent the mill, taking in the beauty along the Wolf River. The Wolf River Cemetery is nearby, including the graves of Conrad "Coonrod" Pile, York's early descendants and the York family.

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