The Mill City Museum and Ruins, Minneapolis
The Mill City Museum is built within the shell of what was once among the largest and most technologially advanced mills in the world. It was a flour mill that operated continuously for some 85 years.
The first Washburn A Mill was opened in 1874. In 1878 it exploded, destroying the mill and much of the surrounding area and killing 18 workers. The new mill, the one shown above, replaced it in 1880. From that time until 1930, Minnesota led the nation in flour production.
During the 1960’s the flour industry moved out of Minnesota due to a number of technology, transportation and tariff issues. The Washburn A Mill closed in 1965. The then-vacant building suffered a major fire in 1991. In the aftermath, the city cleared the rubble and reinforced the walls. The Minnesota Historical Society developed the museum that has been open on the site since 2003.
The Ruins
The Process
off the leash 
Thanks for providing a fascinating look at a subject I knew nothing about. The size of that mill was astounding.
This explains why the longtime minor-league team in the American Association was called the Minneapolis Millers. Ted Williams, 19, hit .366 for the Millers in 148 games in 1938. Willie Mays, 19, hit .477 for the Millers in 35 games in 1951.
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That’s a more compelling name than Twins.
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Bisquick! Though I don’t remember that box, I recall the brand very well.
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Thanks for an interesting visit. Not one of those run of the mill blogs. Oh wait, it was wasn’t it?
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