Mystery Unfolds as Teen Arsonists Take Down 170-Year-Old Historic Mill in Upstate New York
A massive building encompassing 230,000 square feet, Victory Mills had been abandoned for around 25 years. The village of Victory had previously received a $10 million grant to use for the mill’s demolition and the building of a recreational space on the land. Now, however, damage from the fire could disrupt those plans.
The History Of Victory Mills And The Town That Grew Up Around It
Victory Mills Fire Department/FacebookThe mill was planned to be demolished sometime after July 4, local residents said.
The loss of Victory Mills is especially tragic given that it is the town’s namesake and defining landmark. It originally opened as a textile producer in 1846, and by 1870 it was one of the largest cotton mills in the state. According to the National Park Service, by 1880 the mill was employing 600 people and producing 6 million yards of cotton cloth per year. In 1893, however, it was closed to due economic downturn.
In 1910, the mill was purchased by a rope, bagging, and cordage company, who expanded the building in 1918, creating the larger complex that stood until the fire. The mill closed once again in 1929, then remained vacant until 1937, when it was taken over by a carton company. It changed hands several times after that, before ultimately shutting down for good in 2000.
Saratoga County ArchivesVictory Mills began operating in 1846 and changed hands many times before shuttering for good in 2000.
A 2010 report from the town’s historian wrote, “The mill was the reason for the name, settlement, incorporation, growth, and prosperity of the village.”
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