Bates Mill facts for kids
The Bates Mill is a large factory building located at 35 Canal Street in Lewiston, Maine. It was founded in 1850. For many years, it was the biggest employer in Maine. The money earned from the mill even helped start Bates College nearby. Today, the old mill buildings are home to many new businesses. You can find apartments and even a small museum there now.
Maine Governor John Hubbard officially approved the mill's creation on August 16, 1850. The first mill building, called Mill #1, was finished in 1852. The Bates Mill was built in Lewiston because of its location near Lewiston Falls. These falls provided the power needed to run the factory in the beginning.
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History of the Bates Mill
The Bates Manufacturing Company was started in 1850. Benjamin Bates, a businessman from Boston, founded it with some other investors. Maine Governor John Hubbard signed the official document on August 16, 1850. The first mill building was completed in 1852.
The mill was built in Lewiston because of the powerful Androscoggin River. Water from the river provided water power to run the machines. These machines included spinning equipment and looms for weaving. The mill made different kinds of textiles (fabrics) for many years. It kept producing fabrics until the 21st century.
The Mill During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the factory played an important role. It produced textiles for the Union Army. The mill had stored a lot of cotton from the southern states before the war began. This allowed them to keep making fabrics for soldiers.
Thousands of people moved to Lewiston to work at the mills. Many immigrants came from Canada and Europe seeking jobs.
A Historic Place
The entire Bates Mill complex is now recognized as a historic site. It is called the Bates Mill Historic District. In 2010, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important part of American history.
The Bates Mill Today
Today, the old Bates Mill complex has been updated. It is now home to many different businesses and places. You can find Baxter Brewing Co., TD Bank, and Androscoggin Savings Bank offices there. Other businesses include The Symquest Group and Northeast Bank. There are also restaurants like Fishbones Casual Fine Dining and Davinchi's Italian Restaurant. You can also find Bates Mill Dermatology and Community Health Options.
The complex also houses Museum L-A: The Story of Work and Community in Lewiston-Auburn. This museum tells the story of work and life in the area. Almost 2,000 people now work and live in the Bates Mill Complex.
Fire and Rebuilding
On July 15, 2009, there was a small fire at Bates Mill Building No. 5. It was caused by sparks from the nearby Cowan Mill, which was completely destroyed by fire. Building No. 5 is a very large building, about 356,000 square feet. It was designed by a famous architect named Albert Kahn and opened in 1914.
For several years, Building No. 5 was empty. There were even plans to tear it down. But in 2017, it got a new life. A healthcare technology company called Grand Rounds leased a large space there. They created an East Coast center, planning to hire up to 200 people from Maine.
New Homes at the Mill
On January 5, 2011, a project called The Lofts at Bates Mill received important funding. They got $5.2 million to turn Building No. 2 into apartments. This project cost $9.2 million in total. It created 48 apartments for people with different income levels. This included 33 apartments with lower rent and 15 apartments at market price. Construction started in 2011, and the apartments were finished in late 2012.
