The Eagle Mill was the development of J. G. Smyth and Brother, founded in 1873. It is possible that this mill was the Smyth mill at Smyth's Bluff (Smith's Bluff), which Smyth dismantled and moved to Beaumont. The mill was set up on lots 600 to 608 at the intersection of Hickory and Cypress streets, which had been purchased from Gilbert Stephenson. Two years later, John Ward sold his one-third interest to the Smyth brothers for $1,120. In 1877, Elias T. Seale bought J. G. Smyth's interest. The company quickly outgrew its location and purchased a new spot fronting the Neches River at the end of Washington Street, and quickly built a new Eagle Mill (see Eagle Mill #2). In 1878, Olive, Sternenberg and Company bought this location for $3,500.