General Mills founded as the Minneapolis Milling Company (1856)

General Mills traces its origins to the Minneapolis Milling Company, incorporated in 1856. Founded by Robert Smith, who leased power rights at Saint Anthony Falls, the company established its reputation as a major flour miller. The firm's roots are tied to the industrial development of Minneapolis, where milling operations contributed to the city's growth and later corporate evolution.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Minneapolis Milling Company was incorporated in 1856, marking the beginning of what would become General Mills. The company was established on the banks of the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis. This location was crucial for the company's early fame as a large flour miller, leveraging the water power available at the falls.

Founding. Robert Smith, an Illinois congressman, founded the company by leasing power rights to flour mills operating along the west side of Saint Anthony Falls. The territorial legislature authorized Minneapolis as a town on the Mississippi's west bank in 1856, providing the legal and geographic context for the company's establishment.

Legacy. Minneapolis is recognized as the birthplace of General Mills. The city's milling industry, including contributions from figures like Washburn who co-founded Washburn-Crosby, played a significant role in the company's development. The company's history is deeply intertwined with the industrial and economic growth of Minneapolis.

People involved

Sources

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