New Minden's first settlers came from Germany in the 1830's and named their settlement New Minden after the city many came from, Minden, in northern Germany.

This location chosen was ideal because it had the three things, timber, prairie land, and water, that Illinois settlers looked for in determining a farmland to settle.

These farmers ground their own grain in this mill, slaughtered and smoked their own meat, mostly pork, and preserved their own fruits and vegetables.

The mill was built in 1865 of stone construction. Operations continued without a break, for the most part, until the mill closed in 1922. It has since been renovated for use as a private residence, perhaps even apartments as evidenced by the doors and stairs/decks on every level on the west facade. It was powered by steam.

One source had the mill powered by steam. There is however a pond behind the mill and a somewhat, small stream feeding from same. The stream does not appear to go very far according to Google maps, however.GPS: 38° 26.1' N 89° 22.02' W ele 479'/146 meters Hoyleton Quadrangle