Origin Of Crow River Dam and Mills

Origin Of Crow River Dam and Mills. . , 1858 A natural waterfall was discovered by pioneer Larson while on a hunting and trapping expedition three miles upriver from Nest Lake. , , 1859 Larson established a camp near the falls but had to abandon it when his tent and most of his gear burned. , , 1862 Larson and partner, Samuel Stoner, built a cabin and drew up plans for a dam and mill. Charles Sperry, a millwright began construction; but on August 17th the Sioux Indian War broke out and the men had to flee to safety. , , 1863 Larson and Stoner returned to the washed-out site after the Sioux Uprising had ended. , , 1864 The dam was rebuilt and a saw mill was completed by the same two pioneers. , , 1865 Samuel Stoner sold his share in the mill to William Bissett. , , 1866 1866 The dam washed out again and Mr. Bissett sold his share to C.J. Sperry and William Wright. Louis Larson sold half of his share to Samuel Adams. , , 1867 The new company rebuilt the dam and added a grist mill operated by three pair of donkeys. , , 1870 Wright sold his share to Adams. , , 1882 After Adams died, his wife sold her share to merchants Harold Swenson and Peter Broberg. , , 1892 Marcus Johnson and W.J. Pinney purchased the mill. First pioneer Louis Larson retired. , , 1897 The New London Milling Company flourished. Its main product, Supremo Flour, was exported to both domestic and foreign markets. , , 1939 The New London Mill was sold and demolished to make room for the Federal Fish Hatchery. , , 2011 The Minnesota DNR constructed the new dam.