1854

In 1854 the United States experienced an extreme drought.  As a result, almost all of the water-powered mills were shut down.  The Mills & Andrews mill of Washington was not one of those, and people were coming from all over the state and at one point more than 100 wagons were counted in a line waiting their turn.

1854 known Washington businesses, Taken from Montague's Illinois and Missouri State Directory for 1854-55:

James Smith, carpenter

H. Pierce, carpenter

William Bogardus, Daguerreotype photographer

Miles & Andrews Flour Mill

R.M. Roberts Hotel

Higgins’ Tavern

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