Missouri Lumber and Mining Company

The Missouri Lumber and Mining Company (MLM), established in the 1880s, was a significant timber corporation based in southeast Missouri, primarily in the company town of Grandin. Founded by Pennsylvania lumbermen, MLM capitalized on the rich timber resources of the Missouri Ozarks to support the lumber demands of westward expansion in the United States. At its peak, Grandin boasted a population of 2,500 to 3,000 and housed the largest lumber mill in the country. The company town featured a well-planned community with essential services and residential areas for workers. However, as timber resources dwindled, MLM abandoned Grandin around 1910, continuing operations elsewhere in Missouri for a decade. Today, many of Grandin's historic buildings are preserved and recognized for their significance in the region's economic and technological history, making it an interesting site for tourists and researchers alike.