The Pineville Mill of the Attawaugan Manufacturing Company, situated in Killingly, Connecticut, stands as a haunting echo of America's industrial past. Its crumbling ruins, overtaken by the relentless passage of time, serve as a reminder of the once-thriving manufacturing hub that Killingly used to be.

Founded in 1859 by H. B. Norton and L. Blackstone of Norwich, the Attawaugan Manufacturing Company was a significant player in the cotton industry. The company operated mills within Killingly – Attawaugan, Ballouville, and Pineville – each located along the Five Mile River. These mills, the epicenters of their respective villages, were bustling with activity and played a critical role in the local economy.

The Pineville Mill, constructed in 1865, mirrors the architectural style of its contemporary, the Ballouville Mill. It was a formidable structure with stuccoed rubble walls, near-flat roof, granite sills, and lintels. This 3-story building, measuring 124' x 50', featured a central stair tower and an 80' x 26' ell, with a brick boiler house added later. The mill was not just an industrial site; it was part of a larger community, as evidenced by the six mill houses in its vicinity, which are still used as housing today.

During its heyday in the late 19th century, the Attawaugan Manufacturing Company was a significant employer, with hundreds of workers operating thousands of spindles and looms, producing a variety of textiles. Production peaked in the mid-1880s, when the manufacturing company employed about 500 works. The mills were producing a whooping 315 horsepower to run nearly 30,000 spindles and 520 looms. However, as with many industrial giants of the era, the Pineville Mill couldn't withstand the test of time and changes in the economic landscape. It was eventually abandoned in the 1950s, leaving behind a shell of its former glory.

Today, what remains of the Pineville Mill is a striking, albeit somber, sight. The walls of the mill stand as the only surviving elements, enclosing the remnants of the collapsed floors and roof. The structure, though fascinating, is a perilous relic of the past. It's a skeleton of an era when manufacturing was the lifeblood of communities like Killingly.

Urban explorers and history enthusiasts may find the Pineville Mill a compelling site to visit. However, given the hazardous condition of the structure, it is not advisable to attempt interior exploration. The mill is likely privately owned, and permission should be sought before any close inspection. The safest and most responsible way to appreciate this piece of history is from the vantage point of Pineville Road.

The Pineville Mill is more than just an abandoned building; it's a tangible link to Killingly's industrial heritage. It's a silent witness to the town's transformation from a manufacturing powerhouse to its present state. As one stands before the mill, it's easy to imagine the bustling activity that once filled its halls and the generations of workers who passed through its doors. In its current state of decay, the Pineville Mill is a poignant reminder of the transitory nature of industry and the relentless march of time.