Minneapolis Milling Company builds its own mills

Background. The Minneapolis Milling Company was incorporated in 1856. Initially, the company operated by leasing power rights to flour mills along the west side of Saint Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Robert Smith founded the company, which later involved the Washburn family in its development.

Mill Construction. In 1866, the Washburns entered the milling business directly by constructing their own facility. They built the Washburn "B" Mill at the falls. This action represented a significant expansion of the company's physical infrastructure and operational control within the Minneapolis milling industry.

Legacy. The construction of the Washburn "B" Mill in 1866 was a key step in the history of the Minneapolis Milling Company. This entity is recognized as the predecessor of General Mills, which was formally created in 1928 through mergers. The company's origins are tied to the milling operations at Saint Anthony Falls.