Cotton Press (Tarboro, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cotton Press
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Tarboro cotton press
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Albemarle Street Town Common, Tarboro, North Carolina |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1840 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000582 |
| Added to NRHP | February 18, 1971 |
The Tarboro Cotton Press is a very old wooden machine. It was built in the mid-1700s in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. People also call it the Norfleet Cotton Press. This special machine was moved to the Tarboro Town Common in Tarboro, North Carolina. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 18, 1971. This means it's an important historical site. It is found within the Tarboro Historic District.
Contents
The Tarboro Cotton Press: A Historic Machine
This section tells you about the history of the Tarboro Cotton Press. You will learn how it was used and how it changed over time.
How the Cotton Press Was Used
The first owner of this press was Isaac Norfleet. It was on his plantation about 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of Tarboro. When it was first built, it was used to press apples for cider. It also pressed grapes for wine.
Around 1860, cotton farming became very popular. So, the press was changed to handle cotton. It helped farmers pack cotton into tight bundles called bales. This made it easier to store and move the cotton.
Building the Cotton Press
The press is made from strong yellow pine wood. It has a huge screw that turns. This screw pushes down to squeeze the cotton. It presses the cotton into a wooden box to make a bale.
The main part of the press has four tall posts. These posts are held up by braces. There are also two long poles, sometimes called "buzzard wings." Animals like mules or oxen were attached to these poles. They walked in a circle to turn the screw. The whole machine stands about 22 feet (6.7 meters) tall.
Moving and Protecting the Press
When the press was at the plantation, it had a rectangular shed. This shed had a steep roof to protect it. The top of the press stuck out through this roof. A smaller roof on top of the press would spin with the screw.
In 1938, the cotton press was moved. It came to Tarboro's Town Common on Albemarle Street. Sadly, its original shed was torn down. A small, eight-sided roof was built over it instead.
The press was fully restored in 1976. The octagonal roof was removed. A new pavilion was built. This new building looks like the old shed. It helps protect the cotton press from weather today.
Other Cotton Presses in History
There is another old wooden cotton press near Latta, South Carolina. It is similar to the Tarboro press. Another old cotton press is at Magnolia Plantation in Derry, Louisiana. This one works a bit differently. It has a screw that stays still. The bottom part of the press spins to squeeze the cotton.
Images for kids
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Tarboro cotton press
