North Loop in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Bag Factory & Gambles HQ
Built: 1916
| | Historic North Loop | |
Photographed by McGhiever, June 23, 2024
1. Bag Factory & Gambles HQ Marker
To meet the growing demand for burlap, jute and cotton bags from the city's milling industry, Northern Bag (which later became Chase Bag) built this sprawling factory and warehouse. The company added the tall tower to hold water because the city's water pressure wasn't strong enough to reach the upper floors of a building this big.
A rapidly-expanding chain of department stores, Gambles, moved its warehouse operations and general offices here in 1936. Started by two friends with one auto supply store in 1925, the company diversified and grew to a point that it had more than 4,000 stores in 38 states, including Gambles, Red Owl and Snyder Drug stores.
Erected by North Loop Neighborhood Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 44° 59.27′ N, 93° 16.616′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in North Loop. It is on N. Washington Avenue west of N. 7th Avenue. The marker is just left of the building's front door. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700
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Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sunshine Bakery (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of the Milky Way Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); Glass Factory (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bloody Friday in Minneapolis (about 500 feet away); Buggies, Plows & Tractors (about 600 feet away); Washers & Tools (about 600 feet away); Lutefisk Processing Plant (approx. 0.2 miles away); Buggy Assembly Plant (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.
Also see . . . Loop Back: Making Flour Bags (QR code on marker).
Photographed by McGhiever, June 23, 2024
2. Bag Factory & Gambles HQ Marker next to the main entrance of 700 N. Washington Ave.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 232 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
