Missouri Lumber and Mining Company

The Missouri Lumber and Mining Company (MLM) was a significant timber corporation established in the late 19th century in southeast Missouri, primarily to exploit the region's vast timber resources for construction during the U.S. westward expansion. Founded by Pennsylvania lumbermen, MLM built the largest lumber mill in the country in the company town of Grandin, which peaked in population at around 3,000. The company played a crucial role in the local economy and technological advancement until it abandoned Grandin around 1910 due to resource depletion. Many of Grandin's historic buildings are preserved today, reflecting the town's rich industrial heritage and its impact on Missouri's development.