Jillson Mills facts for kids
The mills in 2018
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Thread | |
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| Alternative names | Jillson Mills, American Thread Company Willimantic Mills |
| Ring spinning | |
| Current status | Mixed usage |
| Structural system | Stone |
| Location | Willimantic, Connecticut, United States |
| Serving railway | New York and New England Railroad |
| Owner | Jillson Brothers |
| Further ownership |
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| Coordinates | 41°42′40″N 72°12′16″W / 41.7110°N 72.2045°W |
| Construction | |
| Built | First Building: 1824, Current Building: 1880/1910 |
| Employees | 3,500 |
| Demolished | Mill #03, 1990's; Chimney, 2012-2014; Mill #4, 1995 (fire) |
| Floor count | 5 |
| Floor area | 221,000 square feet (20,500 m2) |
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American Thread Company
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| Architect | Marston, Phineas F. |
| MPS | Eastern Connecticut Mills MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000434 |
| Added to NRHP | July 30, 2014 |
The Jillson Mills, also known as the Willimantic Linen Company Mill Complex, is a group of old factory buildings in Willimantic, Connecticut. For many years, these mills were busy making cotton thread.
Contents
History of the Mills
The very first mill here was built in 1824. It was started by two brothers, William Asa and Seth Jillson. They built it in a style similar to the buildings you see today.
From Jillson to American Thread
In 1854, some investors from Hartford bought the old mill. They created a new company called the Willimantic Linen Company. Even though their name said "Linen," they actually made cotton thread!
The company rebuilt most of the mill in 1880. This made it look much like it does now. The last building in the complex was finished in 1910. Later, in 1898, the mill became part of the American Thread Company due to a big business merger. The mill finally closed its doors in 1985. This happened because the company moved its operations to the southern United States.
What Happened Next?
After the mill closed, some parts of it changed. Mill #4 was destroyed by a fire in 1995. A wooden bridge that connected the mills was closed forever soon after.
For a while, the mills sat empty. But then, people started buying the land. They turned parts of the old factory grounds into new homes and businesses. Today, a group called ArtSpace has apartments for people in this complex. The old chimney, a tall smokestack, was taken down between 2012 and 2014.
The Garden on the Bridge
Within the old mill complex, you can find the Garden on the Bridge. This is a stone arch bridge that was built way back in 1857. It used to be a road bridge for cars.
However, when the Frog Bridge opened in 2000, the old bridge was no longer needed for cars. It was temporarily closed. Then, in 2006, it reopened as a special walking bridge. It's now covered with plants and flowers, making it look like a beautiful garden.
A Historic Landmark
The mill complex is very important to history. On July 30, 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical places across the country. The Jillson Mills are one of 22 places in the town of Windham to be on this special list.
Images for kids
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The main mill in 1912
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The Garden on the Bridge
More to Explore
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Windham County, Connecticut — Learn more about historic places in the area.
- Windham Textile and History Museum — A nearby museum that tells the story of the mill.
- Willimantic Footbridge — A bridge built for mill workers to cross the river safely.
- Willimantic Freight House and Office — An old building where goods from the mill were shipped.
