The present Village of New Auburn approximates the site of Cartwright Mill, founded in 1875 by David J. and Paul W. Cartwright. To the original steam-powered sawmill, they added a lath, shingle, and planing mill. Some buildings were of brick manufactured in the local brickyard. The second of these buildings was constructed by C.M. Tarr and still stands. Cartwright had five stores, a post office, the Omaha Railroad, and a population of 336. When incorporated in 1902, the name was changed from Cartwright to Auburn and later to New Auburn.