Akron in Plymouth County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Old Mill Site

October 7, 2023

1. Old Mill Site Marker

Inscription. This plaque marks the site of the Akron Milling Company. The three-story flour and grain mill was built in 1871 by two area businessman, E.W. Sargent and L.N. Crill. They chose the site because of the high banks of the Big Sioux near Akron, known then as Portlandville. The mill played an important role in the early economic development of northwest Iowa and the Dakota Territory by serving farmers who otherwise would have had to transport their wheat and grain to Sioux City. Wheat and grain were also shipped from the mill by train. In 1905 power from the mill's dam provided power for the city's electric lighting. The original building was destroyed by fire in the late 19th century and later rebuilt. The mill is an example of how water power harnessed from the Big Sioux River played a key role in the early history of the area.

Erected by the Akron Community Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 42° 49.752′ N, 96° 33.671′ W. Marker is in Akron, Iowa, in Plymouth

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County. It can be reached from the intersection of State Highway 12 and Reed Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Akron IA 51001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Akron's History Begins Here (here, next to this marker); American Legion Post 186 Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Loess Hills of Western Iowa (approx. 0.3 miles away); Richland Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 6.7 miles away in South Dakota); Fort Brule (approx. 7.4 miles away in South Dakota); Giants in the Earth Country (approx. 7.4 miles away in South Dakota); St. Paul Lutheran Church (approx. 8 miles away in South Dakota); Sioux County Founded Here (approx.

Old Mill Site Marker (upper right) image. Click for full size.

October 7, 2023

2. Old Mill Site Marker (upper right)

8.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Akron.

Old Mill Site Marker, from the north image. Click for full size.

October 7, 2023

3. Old Mill Site Marker, from the north

Relief of the Akron Milling Company image. Click for full size.

October 7, 2023

4. Relief of the Akron Milling Company

Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2023. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 12, 2023.