National Register Listing

National Woodenware Company Superintendent's Residence

SW Elm St. and Ione Ave., Hill City, MN
The National Woodenware Company Superintendent's Residence is significant for its association with Hill City's principal industry in the early twentieth century. The National Woodenware Company, a subsidiary of the large Chicago packing concern Armour & Co., moved its operation in 1910 from Ithaca, Michigan to Hill City, a small community platted in 1906. The Company erected a large mill complex for the manufacturing of woodenware (barrels and tubs used in the packing industry) from the area's second growth hardwood fore officials also purchased nearly 1/3 of Hill City's lots and constructed residences for their employees and administrative personnel. As a result of the Company's establishment, Hill City's population more than tripled to over 1000 inhabitants. The mill closed in 1928 due to the depletion of the hardwood forests in the region and increased use of cheaper substitute containers in the packing industry. Since the mill's closing, Hill City's population has steadily declined to its present level of 357. The Superintendent's Residence, the most distinctive residence in town, housed the Company's chief local administrator from 1910 to 1928. It is one of the few remaining structures associated with this locally significant industry.
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Exploration/settlement

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Minneapolis Millers baseball team was the first professional baseball team to play under the lights in 1930.
Minnesota random facts
Aitkin County, located in the central part of Minnesota, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to the Dakota and Ojibwe Native American tribes, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihoods. European exploration and settlement began in the 17th century, with French traders and voyageurs making their way to the area to trade furs with the Native Americans.

In the mid-19th century, the US government established a trading post in Aitkin County, which helped to facilitate further settlement in the area. The county was officially established in 1857, named after William Alexander Aitkin, a prominent fur trader in the region. The lumber industry soon became a major economic driver for the county, with numerous sawmills established along the area's rivers.

The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further spurred growth and development in Aitkin County. The county became a hub for logging and timber transportation, as well as providing a means for settlers to access the area. The county's economy diversified over time, with agriculture playing an increasingly important role alongside the timber industry.

Today, Aitkin County is a thriving community that embraces its natural beauty and history. Outdoor recreation, such as fishing, hunting, and hiking, is a popular activity in the area. The county's historical sites and museums, such as the Aitkin County Historical Society and the Aitkin Depot Museum, provide a glimpse into the area's past. Aitkin County continues to be a place where residents and visitors can appreciate the unique combination of natural resources and rich history that the region has to offer.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Aitkin County, Minnesota.

  • 1857: Aitkin County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1871: Aitkin becomes the county seat of Aitkin County.
  • 1884: The Great Northern Railway reaches Aitkin, connecting the area to larger markets.
  • 1902: The town of McGregor is incorporated in Aitkin County.
  • 1903: The Soo Line Railroad reaches Aitkin, further improving transportation in the area.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Aitkin County.
  • 1942: The Savanna Army Depot is established near McGregor during World War II.
  • 1970s: Aitkin County experiences a period of economic growth and development.
  • 1993: The Pillsbury State Forest is established in Aitkin County.
  • 2016: The Mille Lacs Indian Reservation, located partially within Aitkin County, is officially recognized by the federal government.