Forbes Mill

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Forbes Mill is a now defunct mill originally built in 1854 located in Los Gatos, California which now serves as a museum after being saved from destruction in 1982. The mill is the first commercial building to be established in the city of Los Gatos.

Forbes Mill was built by James Alexander Forbes who was born in Scotland in 1804 or 1805. He came to California in about 1831.

The gold rush gave James the idea to put up a flour mill as there were few in California at the time. He found a location on Los Gatos Creek that he thought would provide sufficient water power. In 1853 he raised the money for the construction, and in 1854 the mill was built. After many delays, the mill started grinding flour on December 1, 1855. Forbes lost the mill when he could not repay the loans in 1856. In 1866, William H. Rogers bought the mill, upgraded it, and ran it successfully.

Forbes Mill is now home to the History Museum of Los Gatos. The Los Gatos Creek Trail runs next to the mill.