Lewiston's industry began with the Harris sawmill beside the falls. In 1809, Josiah Little's family built a large wooden building for saw, grist, and fulling mills under one roof. When the mill burned in 1829, the Littles built a larger one. They also diversified to include a shingle machine and satinet manufacturing. In 1836, the Lewiston Falls Manufacturing Company engaged in cotton textile manufacturing, and in 1845, after a period of reorganization, built the Lincoln Mill. The new Lewiston Falls Cotton Company sought outside investment from Boston. Local entrepreneurs, the existing mills' success, the new railroad, the falls, and the potential to construct canals impressed Benjamin Bates and other investors. At the same time, the Bearce Lumber Mill operated above the falls.