Coal company headquartered in Wilton, North Dakota. Operational from 1900-1946

Washburn Lignite Coal Company (1900-1946)

The Washburn Lignite Coal Company, located at Wilton, North Dakota, was the largest underground mining firm in the state from 1900-1928. In 1928, the Washburn Company was sold to the Otter Tail Power Company of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in order to supply their electrical generating plants with lignite. Two years later, in March 1930, the coal lands were leased to the Truax-Traer Coal Company of Minot, North Dakota, and the old underground structure was converted to a large strip mining operation. In 1946 the mine was closed as a result of the rise in competitor fuels.

Business and Industry
Energy - Coal