Cotton Press (Latta, South Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Early Cotton Press
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Latta cotton press in 1987
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Latta, South Carolina |
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| Built | 1798 |
| Architect | Berry, Stephen |
| Architectural style | Early Cotton Press |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001206 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1972 |
The Latta Cotton Press is a very old machine built around 1798. It was used to press cotton into tight bundles called bales. This press was powered by mules or oxen, not electricity!
It was first built and used at a place called Berry's Crossroad, near Latta, South Carolina, in Dillon County. Around 1950, it was carefully moved about 2.5 miles (4 km) west to a new spot.
Because it's such an important piece of history, the Latta Cotton Press was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1972. This means it's recognized as a special historic site in the United States.
Contents
What is the Latta Cotton Press?
The Latta Cotton Press is a large, wooden machine. It was made to squeeze cotton after its seeds had been removed. This process is called "baling." Baling cotton made it easier to store and transport.
The press is made from strong oak wood. The pieces are held together using wooden pegs and dowels, not nails. This shows how skilled the builders were back then!
How the Cotton Press Works
The main part of the press is a huge oak screw, about 16 inches (40 cm) wide. This screw was carved by hand. To press the cotton, the screw would turn and push down on the cotton inside a wooden frame.
Mules or oxen would walk in a circle to turn long wooden poles. These poles were attached to the screw. As the animals walked, the screw would slowly turn, pressing the cotton tighter and tighter. People sometimes called these poles "buzzard wings" because of their shape.
A small roof protects the machine from rain and sun. This roof is shaped like a pyramid and helps keep the wooden parts safe.
History of the Latta Cotton Press
The Latta Cotton Press was built around 1798. It's believed that Stephen Berry or "Buck Swamp" John Bethea either built it or had it built. They were likely cotton farmers in the area.
In 1950, the press was moved from its original spot at Berry's Crossroad. It was taken to private land on the south side of South Carolina Highway 38. You can still see it from the road today!
A Rare Piece of History
Most of the Latta Cotton Press is made from its original parts. Only small repairs have been done to its base and roof. In 1961, experts said the press was in excellent shape. They also noted it was a great example of handmade craftsmanship from that time.
This cotton press is very special because it's the only one of its kind from this era left in South Carolina. There are a few similar old wooden cotton presses in other states. For example, there's one in Tarboro, North Carolina, and another at Magnolia Plantation in Derry, Louisiana.
The Latta Cotton Press helps us understand how cotton was processed long ago. It shows the clever ways people used simple tools and animal power to get work done before modern machines existed.
Images for kids
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A closer look at the Latta cotton press, showing its wooden details.
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Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) No. SC-11, "Cotton Press, Near Routes 917 & 38, moved from Berry's Crossroads, Latta, Dillon County, SC", 5 photos, 2 data pages, 1 photo caption page
