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
Discover the History of Jillson Mills
The first mill building was constructed in 1824 by William Asa and Seth Jillson. It looked similar to the buildings you can see there today.
How the Mill Changed Owners
In 1854, some investors from Hartford bought the old mill. They started a new company called the Willimantic Linen Company. Even though their name included "Linen," they actually made cotton thread!
The company rebuilt most of the mill in 1880, making it much larger. The very last building in the complex was finished in 1910. In 1898, the Willimantic Linen Company joined with another company to form the American Thread Company. This new company then owned the mills.
Why the Mills Closed
The Jillson Mills kept making thread until 1985. At that time, the American Thread Company decided to move its operations to the South. This meant the mills in Willimantic closed down.
What's Happening at the Mills Today?
After the mills closed, some parts of the complex changed. In 1995, one of the buildings, Mill #4, was damaged by a fire. A wooden bridge that connected the mills was also closed permanently around that time.
For a while, the mills were empty. But then, people started buying parts of the old factory grounds. Today, some of the buildings are used for businesses and homes. For example, ArtSpace has apartments for people in the complex. The tall chimney that was part of the old mill was taken down between 2012 and 2014.
Explore the Garden on the Bridge
Near the former mills, you can find the Garden on the Bridge. This is a beautiful stone arch bridge that was built way back in 1857. It used to be a road bridge for cars. But in 2000, a new bridge called the Frog Bridge opened.
Now, the Garden on the Bridge is only for people walking. It's covered with plants and flowers, making it look like a natural garden. The bridge was closed for a short time but reopened in 2006 for its current use as a lovely pedestrian walkway.
A Historic Landmark: National Register of Historic Places
The Jillson Mills complex is an important historical site. On July 30, 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places across the country that are important to American history. The Jillson Mills are one of 22 historic 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
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Windham County, Connecticut — Learn more about historic places in the area.
- Windham Textile and History Museum — Visit this museum to discover more about the mill's past.
- Willimantic Footbridge — A nearby bridge built for mill workers to cross the river safely.
- Willimantic Freight House and Office — The old building where goods from the mill were shipped.
