Missouri Lumber and Mining Company

The Missouri Lumber and Mining Company (MLM), established in the 1880s, was a significant timber corporation in southeast Missouri, primarily operating from the company town of Grandin. Founded by Pennsylvania lumbermen, MLM capitalized on the rich timber resources of the Missouri Ozarks to support the westward expansion of the United States. At its peak, Grandin housed 2,500 to 3,000 residents and featured the largest lumber mill in the nation. The company town was meticulously planned, with amenities including a company store, hospital, and residential areas. However, as timber resources dwindled, MLM abandoned Grandin around 1910, although it continued operations in other regions for a decade. Many of Grandin's structures were preserved and recognized for their historical significance, making it an interesting site for tourists and researchers interested in industrial history and the development of the American Midwest.