Lower Pacific Mills Construction Drawings

The Pacific Mills was incorporated in 1853 with capital of $1 million. The original mills and print works were built by the Essex Company, remodeled in 1882, and enlarged and added to over the many years of its operation. In the latter part of the 19th century it was considered one of the foremost corporations in the world. Abbot Lawrence, the city's namesake, was the first president. The company started as a producer of women's dress goods in wool and cotton, and included a print house and dye works. By the 1890s the mills were producing calicos, lawns, shirtings, and a large variety of other products. By 1895 there were over 200,000 spindles turning.