Cigar Factory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cigar Factory
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Cigar Factory
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 701 East Bay St., Charleston, South Carolina |
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| Built | 1882 |
| Architect | A. D. Lockwood & Company |
| Architectural style | Victorian commercial |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003658 |
The Cigar Factory is a historic building in Charleston, South Carolina. It is located at 701 East Bay Street. This special building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important part of history.
It was built a long time ago, in 1881, and opened in 1882. Over the years, it has changed its purpose. Today, it's a busy place with many different businesses inside.
A Building with a Story
The building first opened in 1882 as the Cotton Mill of Charleston. A cotton mill is a factory where cotton is processed into thread or fabric.
In 1912, a company called the American Cigar Company bought the building. They turned it into a large factory that made cigars. During the 1930s, this factory was the biggest private employer in Charleston. This means it gave jobs to more people than any other private business in the city.
A Song of Hope
In the 1940s, something very important happened at the Cigar Factory. People gathered there to ask for fair treatment and equal rights. During these gatherings, a famous song called "We Shall Overcome" became well-known. This song became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. It gave hope and strength to many people who were working for positive change in society.
New Life for an Old Building
After many years, the Cigar Factory building needed a lot of work. In 2014, a big project began to fix it up. About $30 million was spent to make the building new again.
By 2017, the factory was mostly rented out. Now, it's a modern and lively place. You can find restaurants, beauty salons, and even a place for events inside. It's a great example of how old buildings can be given a new life.
