This is certainly one of Iowa's most impressive remaining mills. Parts of the present stone foundation derive from an 1854 mill. The building is of brick above the stone first level; above this is a second, smaller gabled section which runs the entire length of the building, and on top of that is a monitor unit. The 1854 mill was built to process wool; the 1867 mill to process feed. From 1915 to 1940 the mill generated electricity. With its location on the river and its accompanying dam, the Wapsipinicon Mill is a major monument in downtown Independence.