EAST BANK MILLS HISTORY

The power and beauty of St. Anthony Falls drew early settlers, lumber and mill barons and early sightseers to the banks of the Mississippi. Today, power and beauty intersect again on a site rich in history - the site now known as East Bank Mills. Before the turn of the century, 27 mills along the river's banks made Minneapolis the global leader in flour milling. One of the most prominent mills was The Pillsbury "A" Mill. Opened in 1881, it was for years the most powerful and sophisticated grain mill in the world. Today, this amazing building is listed as a National Historic Landmark. As part of the East Bank Mills development, plans are now underway for restoration of this significant landmark.

The thriving Old St. Anthony and Northeast neighborhoods once again add to the rich character of the area and to East Bank Mills. The Stone Arch Bridge, built just below the falls in 1883, recently re-opened and is now a pedestrian and biking bridge and one of the most photographed sites in the city. In all, the rich history of the riverfront again makes the East Bank Mills neighborhood the most exciting project in Minneapolis.