Wisconsin Governor Cadwallader C. Washburn commissioned his brother-in-law, G.A. Buffum, to make a trip down the Mississippi River to find a suitable location for a lumber mill. Mr. Buffum recommended Louisiana, Missouri, because of its desirable trade location, which included easy access to the river and close proximity to the Louisiana and Missouri River Railroad terminals, and the St. Louis, Alton and Chicago Railroad Western Terminals.
By
