The Neligh Mills were built in 1873 by John D. Neligh. Flour from the Neligh Mills was sold throughout the Middle West. Brands included Neligh Patent Flour, So-Lite Flour, and Crescent brand feeds.
Mills were a major factor in the growth of NE communities in the 1870s and 1880s. Locally grown grain turned into flour cut down on the cost of transportation.
These mills were able to produce beyond local needs when there was ample water supply and situated on main rail lines sometimes received lucrative government contracts with the Army and Indian bureau.
The photo on the right shows the diversion channel from the river used to funnel water to generate power for the mill.