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 in the company town of Grandin. Founded by Pennsylvania lumbermen, MLM capitalized on the abundant timber resources of the Missouri Ozarks to support U.S. westward expansion. At its peak, Grandin housed up to 3,000 residents and featured the largest lumber mill in the nation. The company faced challenges as timber resources dwindled, leading to the abandonment of Grandin around 1910. Many of the town's structures remain today, recognized for their historical significance, making it an intriguing site for tourists and researchers interested in industrial history and the development of the American Midwest.