Potlatch Lumber Company started the first all electric mill in the country in 1910 in Elk River. The railroad extended its line from Bovill at the time. The town boomed and in 1911 the population was about 1,200.

The mill remained in operation for nearly 20 years, then a newer and bigger mill was built in Lewiston in 1927. In 1929, blister rust attacked the white pine and the Great Depression hit the area in 1930. Elk River was one of the hardest hit towns in the area.. The mill was phased out over a two to three year period.

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