Minneapolis millers form the Minneapolis, Sault Ste. Marie and Atlantic Railway

Background. Minneapolis was a major center for flour milling in the 19th century, described for a time as the lumber and flour milling capital of the world. In 1884, the value of Minneapolis flour milling was the world's highest. The formation of the Minneapolis, Sault Ste. Marie and Atlantic Railway was connected to this industry, with the stated purpose of building a railroad between its two namesake cities to avoid sending shipments through Chicago.

Formation. The railway was established by a consortium of flour mill owners in Minneapolis on September 29, 1883. The primary objective was to construct a railroad line connecting Minneapolis to Sault Ste. Marie. This route was intended to facilitate the transport of flour to Great Lakes ports, avoiding the high tariffs that were incurred when shipments were routed through Chicago.

Context. Minneapolis's status as a global milling capital provided the economic setting for this venture. The railway's stated purpose was to build a line between its two namesake cities so that shipments would not be sent through Chicago. The decision to form a new railway is documented in connection with the city's milling prominence in the 19th century.