Monadnock Mills

Monadnock Mills is an industrial complex of multiple factory buildings stretching along the Sugar River, constructed during different phases of the 19th century. The site covers about 8.5 acres and includes structures along Broad Street, Water Street, and Mill Road.

The mills were founded in 1831 as the Sugar River Manufacturing Company and became one of New England's largest cotton spinning operations for over a century. Production continued without interruption until 1963, reflecting the site's sustained importance to the regional economy.

The mill buildings show how workers shaped the economic life of the region daily and distributed their products across the nation. These structures remind visitors that people labored and lived here, and their craftsmanship helped build American industry.

The complex sits along the Sugar River with buildings visible and accessible from surrounding streets. Visitors can explore the exterior of the structures and understand the layout of the industrial site from multiple vantage points.

Mill Number 2 produced America's first dimity fabric in the 1850s, a fine cotton cloth with a distinctive raised pattern. Later, this factory also made Jacquard quilts that won gold medals at the St. Louis World's Fair.