Cadwallader C. Washburn

Cadwallader Colden Washburn (April 22, 1818 – May 14, 1882) was an American businessman, politician, and soldier who founded the Washburn-Crosby Company, which later became General Mills. He served as a U.S. Congressman and Governor of Wisconsin, and was a Union Army general during the American Civil War.

Early Life

Washburn was born in Livermore, Maine, to a family of seven children. He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1839 where he established a real estate business.

Business Career

In 1856, Washburn moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he built his fortune in the lumber and flour milling industries. He founded the Washburn-Crosby Company, a flour milling company that eventually became General Mills. Washburn's innovations in the milling process led to a boom in Minneapolis' economy and made the city a major center for flour production.

Political Career

Washburn served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1855 to 1861, and again from 1867 to 1871. He was a member of the Republican Party, and was known for his opposition to slavery. In 1871, he was elected Governor of Wisconsin, a position he held until 1874.

Military Service

During the American Civil War, Washburn served as a general in the Union Army. He was involved in several major battles, including the Battle of Vicksburg and the Battle of Nashville. After the war, he was recognized for his service with a promotion to major general.

Legacy

Washburn's contributions to the flour milling industry had a significant impact on the economy of Minneapolis and the wider United States. His innovations in the milling process led to the production of higher quality flour, which in turn led to an increase in the consumption of bread and other flour-based products. Today, General Mills, the company he founded, is one of the largest food companies in the world.

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  Union Army Major General Rank Insignia
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  Cadwallader C. Washburn - Brady-Handy Photograph
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  Cadwallader C. Washburn
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  Washburn Monument