McLean Mill National Historic Site was officially opened to tourists on July 1, 2000.

History of the Mill

The mill is a steam powered sawmill, which originally ran as a family operated saw-milling business from 1926 to 1965. The original plot of land was purchased by Robert Bartlett ("R.B.") McLean, and he moved there with his wife Cora, and his three sons Arnold, Philip, and Walter. Eventually the business was taken over by Arnold, who eventually passed on the business to his son Howard McLean until it's closing in 1965. One of the main reasons for it's closing was competition from the larger lumber companies in the area. (Alberni Valley Museum, 2000)