In 1869 Richmond was the largest flour milling center in the
United States, upon the eve of the Minneapolis era. Richmond
never had many mills, but it was a natural place to exit most of
Virginia's wheat because her production grew as transportation
facilities opened up more distant fields. In 1833 there were
only three mills, and in 1859 there were only seven, but its
annual average production was 500,000 barrels. Gallego mill
ground 900 barrels of flour a day at its best, and from the
Haxall Mill, could produce 700 barrels. The architecture of
these mills transformed the Richmond waterfront into an
industrial center made up of some of the largest structures then
standing in America. The first Gallego mill was established at
the falls as early as 1796 by Joseph Gallego. From the Richmond
Whig, April 25,1865.............."Richmond can boast of having
within its limits the largest flouring mill in the world. The
erection of the mill was regularly commenced some time in the
year 1854. The superstructure rests u