Fullerton mill was once an industrial town that played a major role in the production of lumber. The lumber mill was opened in 1907 in Venom Parish, Louisiana. The town became a historical site after being added to the National Register of Historic places in 1986. The town had played a great role in industrial development and housing of the workers of the mill before it was abandoned.

Early development of Fullerton town

In 1907, the Gulf Lumber Company established a lumbering mill and they named it Fullerton. The mill was owned by Samuel Holmes Fullerton. The mill was made of steel, iron, and concrete. The mill worked on a tight schedule as it operated 24/7 in a 10-hour shift producing over 300,000 board feet. Water was provided by huge water tanks and pipes located on the left of the mill. There was a trail in the mill that offered trail access inside the mill for loading of finished products for shipping. A trolley was used as the mode of transporting boards from the mill to their destinations.The company built over 300 houses for the workers at the mill which had well-spaced rooms, running water, bathrooms, toilets, and electricity. The town grew so fast as basic amenities like a hospital, schools, churches, retail stores, drug stores, a meat market, a post office, and a barbershop could all be found in the town. To the south was Turpentine steel which was part of the Fullerton mill. Turpentine steel played a great role in the communities in Fullerton town as it provided education and job opportunities. Fullerton mill was also involved in the production of alcohol made from wood chips and sawdust.

Doomsday of Fullerton town

The beginning and the ending of the operations in the Fullerton mill ended as rapidly as they had started. The mill which operated 24/7 in 1927 closed and was abandoned. Many mock its ending by saying that the mill started and ended with a whistle since most of its activities were initiated by a whistle blow (whistle blow was used to alert workers the beginning and end of shift) The Gulf Lumber Company moved to the west making Fullerton town a ghost town as the workers went out of the town to search for employment. In 1986, the ghost town was placed on the National Register of Historic places and became a historic monument.

What remains in the old town of Fullerton?

Since its desertion, the town has been left intact as one can still clearly see the 1880s and 1900s town planning and structures. Most of the buildings are still fairing on well with minor distress on their walls. The town was later declared a historic place and thus to the general public to visit. Other family fun activities like camping, fishing in Fullerton Lake, hiking, boating, and picnics are all available at the townsite.