Osceola in Polk County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Mills
Photographed By Keith L, October 15, 2008
1. The Mills Marker
By 1845, the first sawmill was erected in Osceola. It stood two stories high and was capable of cutting 10,000 board feet every 24 hours. Approximately 35 million board feet were cut during its existence. It was located on Osceola Creek near the shores of the St. Croix River. In the fall of 1853, the first wheat raised in Polk County was ground in the Kent Brothers' new gristmill. The mill built above Cascade Falls, stood four stories tall and was propelled by an overshot wheel driven by water. It was the oldest mill still in operation in Polk County when it was destroyed by fire on the morning of July 5, 1880. Remnants of the mill still remain today.
Rivers, Rails & Trails
This is one of many interpretive signs in the River, Rails & Trails Heritage Area, a project funded in part by a Heritage Tourism grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Erected by Wisconsin Heritage Tourism.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is July 5, 1865.
Location. 45°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cascade Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); Osceola (within shouting distance of this marker); Geiger Brewery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Osceola Bluff (approx. 0.2 miles away); Osceola "Soo" Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Geology of the Taylors Falls Region (approx. 6 miles away in Minnesota); A Place that Welcomes Many… (approx. 6.1 miles away in Minnesota); Interstate Park (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Osceola.
Also see . . . About Osceola. (Submitted on April 2, 2009.)
Photographed By Keith L, October 15, 2008
2. The Mills Marker
Photographed By Keith L, October 15, 2008
3. Above Cascade Falls
[The foundation of the mill can be seen in the right background of the photo.]
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 920 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 2, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
