South carolina textile industry. Textile Mills Mohawk Industries, Inc.
- South carolina textile industry. Complete Textile Mill Dataset Fields Overview Our dataset for Textile Mills in South Carolina is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. Tourism, centered around Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head Island, is the state's largest industry. You can Aug 31, 2013 · In 1934, thousands of workers in Southern textile mills walked off the job seeking better pay and working conditions. South Carolina's textile producers want to make it clear to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that they're not involved with "jobs of the past," as the Palmetto State native suggested in a press Aug 25, 2011 · 3-5. Dec 1, 2008 · South Carolina’s textile industry is changing but still dynamic, according to three studies released at an industry summit last week. The Greenville Textile Heritage Society is a non-profit organization located in Greenville, South Carolina that is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the textile industry in the area. Given the competitive environment, a set of textile and apparel cluster growth targets are used to examine the contribution that the textile and apparel sectors can make May 16, 2025 · Transforming South Carolina’s Textile Industry Amid Tariff Challenges Over the past decade, South Carolina’s textile sector—a once-vibrant pillar of the state’s economy—has faced critically important disruption. Dec 14, 2022 · South Carolina cotton mills sprang up in the mid-to-late 1800s and were a leading industry in South Carolina well into the depression era when the price of cotton plummeted and many mills went under. – The recent South Carolina Textile Summit organized by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) brought together leaders in the region’s textile industry for important proceedings during a challenging time for this global sector. Although agriculture continues to be important, it has played a diminishing role as employment in the manufacturing and service sectors has increased Feb 5, 2014 · Textile industry generated %2454 billion in shipments in 2012 and employed about 233%2C000 people More than a third of all textile jobs were located in Georgia and North Carolina in 2012 Average The 1970s marked a turning point in the economic history of the Upstate region of South Carolina, transforming it into a powerful textiles hub that still attracts businesses today. This also placed them close to the cotton source. The company went on to open plants in Lancaster, SC and Chester, SC. New Carolina (South Carolina’s Council on Competitiveness) held “The Future of Textiles in South Carolina” in Spartanburg recently; it attracted 100 business and economic development leaders from across the state. The early mills up until the late 1800s were built on the rivers and larger streams. ” -Gov. Other South Carolina Mills The state of South Carolina has fostered the birth of many textile mills. Jan 21, 2024 · Jordyn Holman reported from textile factories and ginneries in North and South Carolina. Dec 9, 2022 · Introducing MetroConnects' blog series honoring the rich past, vibrant present and exciting future of Greenville County's textile crescent. Feb 15, 2024 · GREENVILLE, S. Cotton was readily available and grown in its fertile soil and climate. Global trade shifts and evolving economic policies have forced this historic industry to confront unprecedented obstacles. , Aladdin Div. Many cities and towns were heavily influenced by the presence of textile mills and the eventual closure of those mills. We are invested in creating a new and dynamic textile industry in our region that values the worker, the environment, and the community. " Greenville became so The Judson Mill District honors Greenville, South Carolina’s rich textile manufacturing history as it weaves a new plan for the future. Apr 20, 2018 · The textile industry grew quickly after 1880, and South Carolina was one of the leading textile-producing states in the nation for the next forty years. 19 hours ago · In this eye-opening video, we dive deep into the economic shifts reshaping America’s industrial landscape! Discover the 10 states that are set to experience 5 days ago · On a four-day tour of Germany, South Carolina officials met with industry leaders to tout the Palmetto State’s business-friendly reputation and celebrate 50 years of economic development operations in Europe, a feat that has roots in the state’s once massive textile industry. During the mid-to-late 20th century, South Carolina started to see economic progress first in the textile industry and then in manufacturing. Even more significantly, the textile industry was interwoven with its employees’ lives to a degree not known before … The North Carolina Business History and Piedmont Industrialization interview series traces the evolution of North Carolina's economy since World War II, by examining the transformation of the state's traditional industries (agriculture, tobacco manufacturing, furniture, textiles, insurance) and the emergence of "new" industries (banking and This guide includes resources for investigating the history and legacy of the textile industry with a focus on Beaumont Mill in Spartanburg, South Carolina. For many years, North Carolina was a leading textile-making state, specializing in cotton. Carolina Textile District (CTD) is a member-governed and member-driven network of values-aligned textile manufacturers in North and South Carolina. Maples Apr 13, 2025 · A former textile powerhouse in South Carolina grapples with confusion and challenges as Trump's tariffs impact their industry, affecting jobs and economic stability within this once-bustling community. History of the Textile Industry in the Carolinas The textile industry was a dominant force in the Carolinas for over a Although a few mills in North Carolina wove their own cloth in addition to making yarn, the national reputation of the state's textile industry remained tied to the production of coarse yarns. W. By 1849, the mill was in production and the first southern mill village was near completion. In this article, we will delve into the factors contributing to this development Aug 9, 2010 · The textile industry was the dominant industry in South Carolina for many years, but it became so successful that Greenville was even known as the "Textile Capital of the World. Springs began an association with a Brazil based company (Coteminas) in 2001 and merged Mar 22, 2017 · The average textile job in South Carolina pays about $35,000 a year, according to a study from the South Carolina Manufacturing Alliance. Henry McMaster “South Carolina has a long and storied history as a textile manufacturing leader, and this expansion by Fiber Industries builds on that tradition. What textiles were to the 20th century, advanced materials are today. The economy of South Carolina was ranked the 24th largest in the United States based on gross domestic product in 2024. – For the first time since the pandemic, the revival of the South Carolina Textile Summit by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) brought together leaders in the state's textile industry for important proceedings during a challenging time for this global sector. 6 days ago · South Carolina - Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism: During the first half of the 20th century, agriculture was the key to the state’s economy, but by the early 1920s the value of manufactured goods had exceeded that of agricultural products. which opened a plant in Fort Mill, SC in 1888. The transformation is not only a testament to the resilience of the city and […] Feb 6, 2025 · The North Carolina Department of Commerce shows that between 1993 and 2022, employment in the textile industry declined by a staggering 85%. Graichen of the University of South Carolina submitted a history master’s thesis about this collection of African-American narratives from the South Carolina Federal Writers’ Project, which you can find on the homepage for this collection. Aug 7, 2024 · South Carolina has largely shed its textile label, remaking itself into a state known for automotive and aerospace manufacturing. His highly praised and widely quoted Essays on Domestic Industry, published in 1844 gave southerners something to think about. history. North Carolina's textile manufacturers produced lower-grade yarns at a relatively low cost with inexpensive equipment and a largely unskilled labor force. That industry no longer serves as the lifeblood of the local economy but the mills remain. Other counties where early mills flourished include Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens in the upstate. This practice allowed for convenient living arrangements for workers, reflecting broader industrial practices. Some New England manufacturers saw potential for factory operations along the backcountry rivers and set up a handful of small mills there after 1814. In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, Mohawk developed its proprietary SmartStrand® renewable polymer carpeting, creating a new category within the textile industry. It built up fortunes, established new communities, changed the agricultural landscape, and brought thousands of new residents into the county. They were the vanguard of the hundreds of African Americans to labor in the Southern textile industry. As key leaders in South Carolina’s dynamic and resilient textile industry, we write to express our concerns regarding recent remarks you delivered at the White House about the state of our sector, its importance to national security and economic security, and its status as an outdated and diminished industry. And even today, textile production remains a major part of the Palmetto State’s economy. Aug 7, 2024 · The industry today employs more than 18,000 people in South Carolina, according to data from the National Council of Textile Organizations, down from more than 24,000 people less than a decade ago. WYFF 4’s latest special Chronicle: Remaking the Mills takes a closer look at the history of the mill Textiles are one of the oldest and largest industries in the southeast and the single largest employer in South Carolina’s manufacturing sector. is a specialty weaver owned and managed by the Pennington family that has operated in Upstate South Carolina since 1987. At the end of the decade, Springs operated five textile mills in South Carolina as separate companies – Fort Mill Plant, White Plant, Lancaster Plant, Kershaw Plant and Eureka Plant. Overall, this created a network of communities that supported the growing textile industry throughout the country. textile industry. Our family has worked in the textile industry for over 90 years and our 50+ associates each average over 25 years of textile experience. Since New England already had a firmly established textile industry, southern businessmen benefitted from the most up-to-date technologies and equipment from the start of their endeavors without wasting investments on outdated methods. (History NC) Other prospective owners in the South discussed building mills. Montgomery, the home builder W. That view, though, is dated and overlooks the segment’s rebirth and, with it, the restyling of the state’s business profile. " Greenville became so Sep 3, 2024 · South Carolina has worked hard in recent years to revitalize its manufacturing base, in the wake of changes in the textile industry, and it has come back strong. Oct 29, 2018 · A look at how black workers changed the landscape of South Carolina's mill culture forever. The state's other major economic sector is advanced manufacturing located primarily in the Upstate and the Lowcountry. Discover how the boom of the industry led to long hours, low pay, and dangerous conditions. Folks who grew up in the mill villages talk about their work and their life on the Mill Hill. Images in this collection were taken from the M. Carole E. Jul 7, 2016 · Citation Information The following information is provided for citations. 12 Mecklenburg County did not immediately join the post-bellum industrial rush. As of July, 2025, we have compiled data on 39 verified listings. The platform showcases more than 300 South Carolina recycling companies, and it allows manufacturers to easily find recyclers in the area. Scott, Why the Cotton Textile Industry Did Not Develop in the South Sooner, Agricultural History, Vol. Apr 15, 2016 · In South Carolina children, some as young as five years of age, were hired in great numbers by the state’s burgeoning textile industry, some of whom were used to replace emancipated slaves. But South Carolina textile mills are changing from industrial spots to something else. From plastics and optics to photonics and composite materials, South Carolina now supplies the Aug 13, 2024 · South Carolina’s textile industry has experienced a remarkable transformation, shifting from its traditional roots to embrace advanced technologies and innovative practices in modern manufacturing. By 1880, the industry was producing almost $3 million worth of goods a year. (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission], 1972), by North Carolina. Aug 8, 2024 · South Carolina has largely shed its textile label, remaking itself into a state known for automotive and aerospace manufacturing. A result from a multitude of factors. Industry leaders discussed the future […]. Apr 30, 2021 · Ask the unknowing about South Carolina manufacturing and you may hear tales of woe, of a sector staggered by decades of textile mill closings and disappearing apparel jobs. North Carolina has several assets in the textile industry, ranging from a long history in textile production to being the location of several of the most important global companies, industry associations and educational The previous owner, Springs Industries, combined its home textile operations with Brazil's Coteminas, and the main manufacturing operations were moved to South America from Lancaster County, South Carolina, where the original plant had provided jobs for nearly one-third of the county's population. Aug 20, 2017 · WINNSBORO — South Carolina's textile industry was already in decline when Tim Jones started working in the Uniroyal mill south of town. May 17, 2018 · South Carolina’s history as a textiles powerhouse is well-documented. In 1899, North Carolina had 177 textile mills with 30,273 workers and 1. May 13, 2025 · South Carolina ’s textile producers want to make it clear to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that they’re not involved with “jobs of the past,” as the Palmetto State native suggested in a press conference late last month, but rather a vital—and indeed, still thriving—part of the country’s national and economic security. Specifically, the state has emerged as a significant player in the production of ladies’ clothing. He expressed a legitimate concern that South Carolina was missing out on a financial opportunity. The mill owners, who began meeting informally to discuss common problems, such as production, availability of labor, and work hours, eventually formed the Cotton Manufacturers Jan 27, 2025 · Graniteville Mill In 1845, William Gregg purchased 7,952 acres near Horse Creek in Aiken County, South Carolina and established the Graniteville Manufacturing Company. Dec 16, 2019 · His articles on Domestic Industry carefully outlined Gregg’s reasoning for the south to industrialize. An expansion and upgrade of the Columbia Canal in 1891 by the Columbia Water Power Company had significantly improved the power generation potential of the waterway, making it […] Apr 12, 2025 · The Upstate region of South Carolina was saved by foreign companies after the fall of its textile industry. , after their businesses had been severely affected by a depression It was one of the last textile mills in South Carolina to fall, following a long line of closures throughout the second half of the twentieth century as competition from foreign countries like China and India crippled an industry that once dominated South Carolina’s Upstate. 1 million spindles – ranked behind the nation’s leader Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Carolina and New Hampshire. Other major textile mills operated across the South and in the Upstate and coastal areas of South Carolina. SPARANBURG, S. Feb 6, 2025 · Ethan Ware, environmental attorney at Williams Mullen, offers his perspective on a topic. The lives of the mill workers and the history of South Carolina textile mills during this era remain a point of curiosity, almost as much as the lives of our ancestors who lived through the Great Apr 29, 2025 · American textile manufacturers pushed back on Tuesday against Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s suggestion that the industry was a thing of the past, arguing that U. After White’s death in 1911, ownership transferred to “Colonel” Leroy Springs. The textile capital of the world remains Union, Spartanburg, and Greenville, all connected by South Carolina’s textile producers want to make it clear to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that they’re not involved with “jobs of the past,” as the Palmetto State native suggested in a Aug 1, 2016 · Organized in 1888 by the industrialist John H. Approximately 960 advanced materials companies call South Carolina home. Jul 9, 2007 · As the American home fashions business continues to dismantle its manufacturing base and move increasingly off shore, Springs Global said it will shut down its South Carolina bedding manufacturing, closing its giant Grace complex and its H. Burnett, and other upcountry business leaders, Spartan Mills was the first textile mill built within Spartanburg city limits. Paullier says most of the people working at Chargeurs have Apr 29, 1999 · The beginning The textile industry began in the South when a group of New England textile manufacturers came to Lincolnton, N. ” The increase of manufacturing spurred infrastructural improvements and propelled South Carolina “toward modernity. Though the strike was unsuccessful, it helped pave the way for stronger laws to protect workers seeking to join unions. Jun 8, 2016 · The textile industry was the most significant early industry to take root in the upcountry and Piedmont regions of South Carolina. None are more famous for this time period than William Gregg of South Carolina. Originally named Fort Mill Manufacturing Company, the company soon became a leading textile manufacturer in South Carolina. These collections are largely from the perspective of capital and industry, but they also contain extensive documentation on the lives of Southern textile workers, particularly from the mid- to late-twentieth century in North Carolina. Factors such as geography, competition, changing tastes, and changing technology have all contributed to the industry’s ups and downs. Spartanburg County listed elsewhere on this web site was home to many. Oct 24, 2022 · The South was the heart of the textile industry in America during most of the last century. While the textile industry is still strong, the manufacturing of advanced materials—including more advanced textiles—has shifted the state's economy into high gear. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Milliken employs many scientists, including Mar 16, 2021 · The textile industry in South Carolina differed mainly in its labor source, hiring local poor whites instead of the immigrants who staffed mills in other regions, marking a distinctive aspect of its operations. Gregg was a visionary industrialist who advocated for the production of textiles in southern mills earning him the title “Father of the Southern Textile Industry. The South Carolina Textile Council is a division of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance with a mission to enhance the textile manufacturing sector's position within the state. South Carolina is home to a thriving textile industry with a number of companies specializing in the production of textiles. With corporate headquarters located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the company is active across a breadth of disciplines including specialty chemical, [1] floor covering, [2] performance and protective textile materials, and healthcare. (Will Crooks/The New York Times) South Carolina residents recall low pay and poor conditions in the old textile mills, questioning the desire for their return. We respectfully request a meeting at your earliest convenience to share firsthand Apr 3, 2025 · Greenville County was once known as the textile capital of the world. While production steadily declined to a low in the 1980s, the crop made a resurgence by the end of the century. Textile Mills Mohawk Industries, Inc. This video In South Carolina, the cotton manufacturing boom began “in the 1880s and . […] The cotton textile industry became one of South Carolina's leading sources of income by the end of the 19th century, but it had its origins in two sets of related technological advances in the late 18th century. In 1889 Spartan Mills merged with Whitfield Mills of Newburyport, Massachusetts, in an agreement whereby all machinery from Whitfield was shipped to Spartanburg. formalized their partnership with the legendary “golden handshake”—the South Carolina State General Assembly signed into law what would become commonplace across the burgeoning Southern textile industry: segregation. Apr 11, 2024 · A 30-year-old woman working at textile plant in South Carolina was killed when she became trapped in machinery, coroner reports. South Carolina was once known primarily as a textile state. S. It is truly an intriguing story, and there are 13 of their mills still standing, all within three miles of downtown Greenville. Apr 15, 2016 · The first textile mill in the world to be powered exclusively by electricity, the Columbia Mills Company was chartered in 1893 with an initial capitalization of $700,000. Some of the top textile companies in South Carolina include Milliken & Company, Springs Global, and Unifi Manufacturing. makers of apparel and Hurricane Helene devastated the Carolina textile industry, disrupting production and exposing textile supply chain vulnerabilities. Weavetec, Inc. 1 Summarize developments in industry and technology in South Carolina in the late nineteenth century and the twentieth century, including the rise of the textile industry, the expansion of the railroad, and the growth of the towns. May 19, 2025 · Historically, the textile industry was the major player in South Carolina’s manufacturing economy. Gradually, the state’s industrial base diversified with the addition of the automotive, tire, aircraft, and chemical industries, among others. S. The fortunes of North Carolina’s textile industry illustrate how industries can grow and shrink. Oct 29, 2021 · The entrepreneurs who built these mills and their villages became leaders in the southern textile industry and set out not only to build an empire, but also build the upstate of South Carolina. Nationally, this is an industry that has already made great strides in waste Recycling Markets Directory The South Carolina Recycling Markets Directory helps manufacturers keep valuable materials in motion by reducing waste and helping businesses meet sustainability goals. ” While it might be difficult to quantify that superlative, there’s no question this small city along the Reedy River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains had Oct 1, 2019 · South Carolina has been a textile industry powerhouse for hundreds of years now. Apr 15, 2016 · Cotton served as an important staple crop during the antebellum period and continued as the foundation of the state’s economy from the postbellum period through World War II. ” Aug 20, 2012 · Eyes on North Carolina Textile workers built unions, led major strikes and fought racism starting in the 1920s in the South’s largest industry. Many of the farmers and textile companies are multi-generational family operations. Aug 1, 2016 · Springs Industries, a cotton textile company, was founded in 1887 by Samuel Elliott White of Fort Mill. The practice by textile mills of hiring entire families helped ensure the availability of child labor. Historically, the state was a. 68, No. Jul 29, 2024 · Tax Credits for the Rehabilitation of Abandoned Textile Mill Sites After the collapse of South Carolina’s once robust textile industry, the state was littered with closed and abandoned textile mills. Apr 12, 2025 · The Upstate region of South Carolina was saved by foreign companies after the fall of its textile industry. The region’s textile industry was once the world’s largest, with tens of thousands of manufacturers operating daily. Thanks to the leadership and steady hand of the Self Family, Greenwood Mills continues to be an industry leader and a pillar of its community. Tourism also started to form into a major industry within the state during the 20th century, especially in areas such as Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Title Whaley, William Burroughs Smith Coverage May 24, 1866–April 17, 1929 Author Andrew W. Jan 13, 2022 · We've worked hard to create a pro-business environment in South Carolina, and Fiber Industries’ new expansion is further evidence that our strategy is paying off. The guide is organized around important steps of conducting community history and highlights sources specific to Beaumont Mill as well as general resources that can support the investigation of any community. is located in Dalton, Georgia and employs 3,255 individuals. Gov. Jan 26, 2016 · The company was taken over by Avondale Mills in the 1980s and operated until the 1990s. These integral yet still-developing parts of our everyday, 21st Textile South Carolina has a long history being a leader in the textile and reclaimed fiber recycling industry creating a value chain for markets like automotive, construction, home furnishings and other textiles. Overview Introduction The textile industry has traditionally held a fundamental role in North Carolina's economy, providing thousands of jobs and revenue for local economies. The job actions they launched spread to New England and the Mid-Atlantic states and became one of the biggest industrial strikes in U. ” -Standard Textile Chief Operating and Finance Officer Bradley Fry Milliken & Company is an American industrial manufacturer that has been in business since 1865. Jun 24, 2020 · In 1915—the same year that Cone Mills and Levi Strauss & Co. Henry McMaster, joined by the heads of state agencies that oversee economic development, taxes, employment and 5 days ago · On a four-day tour of Germany, South Carolina officials met with industry leaders to tout the Palmetto State’s business-friendly reputation and celebrate 50 years of economic development Sep 19, 2013 · Textile factories are bustling again in the United States, but the savior was automation, meaning few of the jobs lost since the ’90s came back with the plants. Now, tariffs pose another round of uncertainty. But the Palmetto State still has upwards of 200 locations that the state’s Commerce Department categorizes as textile manufacturing facilities. Although textile work was almost exclusively the domain of white laborers, the history of African Americans textile workers represents the resiliency of the African American community as 5 days ago · On a four-day tour of Germany, South Carolina officials met with industry leaders to tout the Palmetto State’s business-friendly reputation and celebrate 50 years of economic development Historical Background “Textile manufacturing began in South Carolina before the Civil War, but it became important to the economy of the state after the war. Changes in minority participation in the textile industry of North and South Carolina, 1966 to 1969. Jun 28, 2016 · From the late nineteenth century through most of the twentieth century, the textile industry dominated South Carolina manufacturing. Founded in 1998, the society operates a museum that showcases the history of the textile industry in Greenville and the surrounding areas. In the late 1800s, South Carolina evolved from a largely agricultural state to an industrial center for textile production. Aug 1, 2016 · The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA), a powerful networking, information, and lobbying group for the state’s varied manufacturing industries, began as an organization for cotton mill owners in 1902. In the early 20th century, more than 40 percent of the state’s farmland produced cotton; and, by the 1930s, the states of North and South Carolina were home to the nation’s two largest textile industries. Aug 16, 2023 · About the Largest U. For many years, textile manufacturing was measured by the number of spindles, or rods on which thread was gathered, in a mill. The mills were situated along the rivers of the fall line, where they could use the rapid flow of water to generate hydroelectric energy to power the turbines and machinery. But the Palmetto State still has upwards of 200 locations that the states Commerce Department categorizes as textile manufacturing facilities. Greenville, South Carolina, once styled itself the “Textile Capital of the World. During and after Reconstruction, the national economy opened up to South Aug 1, 2016 · By 1929 South Carolina workers began organizing to protest the effects of the stretch-out. The heaviest concentration of textile mills was in North Carolina. Mohawk Industries concentrates primarily on residential carpeting. We understand the dedication and hard work it takes to ensure a quality product at an affordable price. Learn about the history of the textile industry in South Carolina with this traveling exhibition. Sep 5, 2023 · The textile industry was huge, but there were one or two mills in each town in Greenville because of a brilliant entrepreneur named Ellison Adger Smyth, who was the president of Pelzer Mill, put a whole group of businessmen together and they built 18 textile mills in Greenville, South Carolina. The performance of South Carolina’s textile and apparel industry is compared with industry trends in the North Carolina and Georgia to assess the competitiveness of South Carolina’s industry in world and domestic markets. Writing in a letter organized by the National Council of Aug 9, 2010 · The textile industry was the dominant industry in South Carolina for many years, but it became so successful that Greenville was even known as the "Textile Capital of the World. C. the State became the third largest textile producing state in the Union. Historical Note The Springs Cotton Mill traces it's beginning to the organization of the Fort Mill Manufacturing Co. Jun 15, 2021 · We are grateful for the partnership we have with the South Carolina Department of Commerce and with Union County and for their commitment to helping innovative companies thrive in the region. Close operation by the end of August. ” Jul 28, 2022 · The South Carolina textile industry A summary of the South Carolina textile industry: The phases involved in manufacturing clothing in South Carolina will depend on the specific type of apparel being produced and the specific manufacturing procedure being used. In the last 20+ years the industry has seen the continuing effects of foreign imports remove the majority of textile manufacturing facilities in the Greenville area. Oct 2, 2018 · Although several other states produce more cotton each year, the South Carolina textile industry sees consistent production levels. May 28, 2024 · NCTISE aims to advance sustainability in the textile sector across North Carolina, upstate South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia. It employed the majority of all manufacturing workers, and its company towns set the terms of life for thousands of white Carolinians. Aug 23, 2024 · South Carolina has largely shed its textile label, remaking itself into a state known for automotive and aerospace manufacturing. We are recognized Apr 7, 2025 · Looking for a unique history lesson at textile mills in South Carolina? The Upstate of South Carolina has a rich history of textile production. Learn about the history of South Carolina textile mills and the impact they had on workers in the early 1900s. He also believed in what Adam Smith had written. About half of those are in the Upstate, though York, Charleston and Berkeley counties boast their fair share. Table 6. The Greenwood Mills story is one of an iconic South Carolina business whose commitment to quality remains the cornerstone of its success. In 2005, Jody H. Jun 16, 2025 · The Carolinas (North and South Carolina) have a rich and complex history in the textile industry, and while the industry has undergone significant transformations, it continues to be a relevant part of their economy. Mar 10, 2025 · Learn how South Carolina's tax credit expansion supports real estate rehabilitation and historic textile mill redevelopment with new eligibility rules. Greenville Textile Industry The Greenville Textile Industry was a formerly significant portion of the economy in Greenville, South Carolina, with the production of textiles, primarily cotton, at a high level. Two basic types of cotton have […] Nov 22, 2021 · Advanced materials are big business in South Carolina. Greenville, South Carolina, has a rich history in the textile industry dating back to the late 1800’s. As late as 1980 Greenville had earned recognition as Textile Center of the World. Jan 1, 2010 · In 1897, twenty African American women entered the Beaufort Knitting Mill in Beaufort, South Carolina. South Carolina's once-thriving textile hub now rejects the idea of revival amid Trump tariffs, reflecting on past struggles and a shift in industry focus. Mar 5, 2021 · The textile industry in South Carolina was similar to the rest of the United States in that mill owners built mill towns to house their employees. Over 30 South Carolina textile CEOs & cotton farmers push back on Treasury Secretary's remarks labeling the industry as 'outdated,' highlighting its vital role Jun 25, 2023 · South Carolina's geography provided the ideal conditions for the growth of the textile industry. When the mills were at their prime, Mill Villages boasted homes, schools, baseball teams, and even vacation destinations. Oct 24, 2022 · A history of the textile mills in South Carolina and how they shaped the state's history. Lowenstein collection, the Neil Campbell collection, the Dill Family Spartanburg County, South Carolina Spartanburg County, South Carolina From a rude beginning in 1816 near Cross Keys on the Tyger River, the textile industry in Spartanburg County grew by fits and starts over the past two centuries. State and National Employment in Textiles, Apparel, and Related Industries, 2000 to 2005 SC Employmenta 2000 2005 8,905 4,841 31,723 16,591 2,688 1,264 1,944 For close to a century, the textile industry was the dominant economic engine driving Spartanburg County’s growth. Beginning at Ware Shoals in March 1929–led mostly by lifelong mill hands who appealed to the supposed paternalism of the mill owners–a wave of strikes swept South Carolina textile mills. The Carolina Textile Mills Collection provides photographs, maps, blueprints, ephemera, letters, guidebooks and more documenting textile mill history in Upstate South Carolina from various textile mill related collections held by the Clemson University Special Collections unit. May 9, 2025 · WASHINGTON — May 9, 2025 — Today, more than 30 top South Carolina textile CEOs and leaders — including cotton farmers and the production chain — sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, raising concerns over his remarks at the White House about the state of the U. Chandler Keywords Architect, engineer, architectural and engineering firm of Thompson & Nagle, produced his first South Carolina design in 1893, the ten-thousand-spindle Union Cotton Mill, for Union County textile entrepreneur Nov 26, 2024 · The Wilson Special Collections Library at UNC Chapel Hill maintains several large collections of business records from individual textile manufacturing firms. May 16, 2025 · On May 9, more than 30 top South Carolina textile CEOs and leaders – including cotton farmers and the production chain – sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, raising concerns over his remarks at the White House about the state of the U. Jul 30, 2023 · South Carolina, once known primarily for its rich history and beautiful landscapes, has experienced a transformation in recent years, making it a burgeoning hub for the textile and clothing manufacturing industry. At one time Springs was the largest industrial employer in South Carolina. In 1880, South Carolina had In the tradition of insightful exploration of places and people, one cannot help but be drawn to the metamorphosis of Greenville, South Carolina, a city that has boldly reinvented itself from its textile mill roots to a burgeoning tech startup hub. C. But it should have a familiar ring to it, one that dates back more than a century, when the textile industry built our cities, brought new jobs and powered an emerging, modern economy. Called Southern Industries of Clover, its doors closed in 2007. . Textiles are also an immensely competitive industry, with razor slim profit margins, strong foreign competition, and a continuing need to cut costs and improve quality. This post explores the storm’s impact, the resilience of organizations like Material Return and the Carolina Textile District, and how circularity and localized manufacturing can strengthen the industry against future climate challenges. 105-121 North Carolina emerged as the South's leading textile producer by the 1920s. Whaley, a native of Charleston, attended the Stevens Institute of Technology and graduated from Cornell University in 1888 with a degree in mechanical Explore textile manufacturing companies in North Carolina, including Parkdale Mills and Burlington Fabrics, shaping the industry with innovative solutions. The initiative focuses on research, development, and workforce training to disrupt the $96B textile industry. 2, Eli Whitney's Cotton Gin, 1793-1993: A Symposium (Spring, 1994), pp. By 1892 there were fifty-one mills in South Carolina, making the state first in the nation in power looms and second in spindles. Dec 16, 2019 · The entrepreneurs who built these mills became leaders in the southern textile industry and set out, not only to build an empire, but to build Greenville. WILLIAM BURROUGHS SMITH WHALEY (1866-1929) was one of the most prominent figures of the South Carolina textile industry at the begin ning of the twentieth century, both for his mill designs and his ownership and management of several mills. It’s a new story. gsjcs snsrb qxjv aqdqa xraocf qptcd rytnmti nda asy pcvqfdpb