Right before us stand the ruins of what was once the Washburn A Mill. This is the Old Mill Site. It played a pivotal role in Minneapolis’s history. The Old Mill Site was part of what was once considered the “Mill Capital of the World”. Mills like this one lined the Mississippi River.
Let me paint you a picture. Imagine Minneapolis in the late 19th century. The Old Mill Site was not just a building. It was the heart of the city’s industry. The Washburn A Mill was the largest flour mill in the world during its heyday. This mill alone produced about 12 million loaves of bread daily. That is a staggering amount.
But the Old Mill Site’s story is not just one of success. It is also one of resilience. The building suffered three major explosions and fires. The first explosion in 1878 killed 18 people and leveled the building. It was rebuilt in 1880.
The new building at the Old Mill Site incorporated modern technology. It improved air quality and reduced the risk of explosions. The mill had air intake equipment. This essentially vacuumed the air. It created a safer working environment.
However, progress is relentless. Technology improved the milling process even further. The mill operation at the Old Mill Site shut down in 1965. A fire in 1991 nearly destroyed the building. Another fire in 1999 may have been caused by arson.
Rather than let this history fade, a city agency began fortifying the ruins in the 1990s. The Minnesota Historical Society announced plans to create a museum. It would recognize the mill history in the Twin Cities. This is how the Mill City Museum came to be. The Mill City Museum incorporates the ruins of the Old Mill Site.
Inside the Mill City Museum, you can explore interactive exhibits. These exhibits tell the story of milling. You’ll find artifacts from Pillsbury and Gold Medal Flour. There is even a large Bisquick flour box. The Pillsbury collection includes some Pillsbury Doughboy items. There is even a Wheaties box celebrating a Minnesota Twins World Series championship.
One of the highlights is the Flour Tower tour. It is a multimedia show that takes you through the history of a mill operation. You end up on the 8th floor of the Washburn A Mill. There, you get a close look at some of the equipment millers used to make flour. The ninth floor has an observation deck. It offers a great view of the Mississippi River.
From the observation deck, you can see St. Anthony Falls. These falls were once larger than Niagara Falls. Erosion and water management have changed their size. Minneapolis was founded near these falls.
St. Anthony Falls was a power source for Native Americans. The location was perfect to set up mills. After taking in the sights from the observation deck, head down to the courtyard. You can get a firsthand look at the ruins. An audio exhibit reviews the importance of the river to Native Americans.
The Mill City Museum is a testament to Minneapolis’s history. It showcases the city’s industrial past. It also highlights the resilience of its people. The Old Mill Site stands as a reminder of the city’s flour milling heritage. It is a history that shaped Minneapolis into what it is today.