About Us - Our Story

Our Story

Woven with Purpose. Crafted to Last.

Since 1865, Faribault Mill has been making high-quality wool and cotton goods in a historic mill nestled along the Cannon River in Minnesota. For over 160 years, we’ve remained one of the last fully integrated "vertical" mills in the country—meaning every step, from raw fiber to finished product, happens under one roof.

That level of care isn’t just rare—it’s essential to everything we make.

A Legacy of American Craftsmanship

Founded just after the Civil War, Faribault Mill began as a small operation producing durable woolen blankets for a growing frontier. As the country evolved, so did we—providing warmth to pioneers heading west, U.S. troops during both World Wars, and generations of families across the country.

Inside our “new” mill, built in 1892, century-old machines still run beside modern equipment. Fifth-generation craftspeople carry on techniques passed down through decades—blending tradition and innovation to produce blankets, throws, scarves, and accessories with unmatched comfort, strength, and timeless design.

Made to Endure—Naturally

We believe that the best materials come from nature. That’s why we craft our products using responsibly sourced wool and cotton—natural fibers that regulate temperature, wick moisture, and promote healthier, deeper sleep.

In 2022, we proudly brought Brahms Mount, a Maine-based cotton weaving mill with its own storied legacy, into the Faribault Mill family. Together, we remain devoted to creating 100% Made in USA goods that feel good, last longer, and never go out of style.

Sustainable, Stitched to Perfection, and Built to Be Loved

Each piece we make is designed to stand the test of time—not just in durability, but in sentiment. Our products are made with premium fibers, and time-tested processes that honor the generations of people who have crafted them.

Whether you're buying a wool throw for your cabin, a cotton bed blanket for better sleep, or a gift that will be passed down for generations, you’re not just getting a product—you’re becoming part of a living American tradition.

Visit the Mill

If you're in Minnesota, come see where the magic happens. Our flagship mill store in Faribault offers guided factory tours, a closer look at our weaving process, and limited-edition goods you won’t find online. It's the perfect place to experience the softness, quality, and heritage of Faribault Mill firsthand

Celebrating 160 Years

For more than a century and a half, our mill has been weaving warmth, comfort, and tradition into every blanket we make. What began in 1865 has endured through generations, powered by skilled artisans, time-honored techniques, and an unwavering commitment to American-made quality. Today, as we celebrate 160 years, we honor our past while weaving the future—one blanket at a time.

160 Years of Stories

Over the course of 160 years, we’ve gathered more stories than we could ever hope to tell—tales of resilience, craftsmanship, community, and comfort. If we shared them all, we’d never stop talking. Instead, we’ve chosen a handful of special moments to highlight in celebration of our milestone birthday. With limited space on our website, we’ll continue to rotate these stories—so check back from time to time for new glimpses into our history.

From One Horse to One of the Last

In 1865, Carl H. Klemer founded what would become the Faribault Woolen Mill Company in downtown Faribault, Minnesota. Powered by a one-horse treadmill and a used wool carding machine, the small factory transformed locally sourced wool into batting. When Carl began weaving cloth in 1872, there were 800 woolen mills across the upper Midwest. Through the commitment and hard work of its people, Faribault steadily grew and expanded, even as competing mills began to disappear—down to 180 by 1904, then to 10 by the 1920s. By 1997, fewer than a dozen fully operational woolen mills remained nationwide. Today, there are believed to be only four. From one horse to one of the last, Faribault stands as a rare keeper of American textile tradition, still weaving where it all began.