Historical Timeline

1900-1909
Simple Beginnings and a Bright Future

The 20th century began with promise and turmoil: the Wright brothers' flight, Marconi's radio, the Russo-Japanese War, the Panama Canal.

1902 held bright promise for five businessmen in Two Harbors, Minn. They started Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M) to mine what they thought was corundum, a mineral ideal for making sandpaper and grinding wheels. The mineral, however, turned out to be a low-grade anorthosite. Sales of the poor-quality mineral were weak and the company nearly failed — but its founders persisted.

They persevered by closing the mine, moving to Duluth, Minn., and making sandpaper with abrasive minerals purchased from another source. These actions required money, so 3M stockholder Edgar B. Ober convinced St. Paul businessman Lucius P. Ordway to come to the company's rescue.

In 1907, 3M hired a 20-year-old business student, William L. McKnight as assistant bookkeeper. The hardworking redhead went on to become 3M's president and first chairman of the board.  His leadership and vision would shape much of the company's future.