Cotton factor facts for kids
Cotton factors and others go about their business in A Cotton Office in New Orleans by French painter Edgar Degas, 1873
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In the old days of the Southern U.S., before and after the American Civil War, many farmers who grew cotton needed help selling their crops. This is where cotton factors came in. They were also called cotton brokers. These business people helped farmers sell their cotton and manage other important tasks.
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What Was a Cotton Factor?
A cotton factor was like a special agent for cotton farmers. They worked in big cities, often near harbors. Their main job was to sell the cotton that farmers grew. They also helped farmers with many other business needs.
Where Cotton Factors Worked
Cotton factors usually had their offices in big cities. These cities were often ports, like Charleston, Mobile, New Orleans, or Savannah. Being near a port was important because cotton was shipped by water. At that time, there were not many railroads to move goods.
Cotton Production in the South
Before the American Civil War, the states of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi grew a lot of cotton. They produced more than half of the world's cotton! Other states like Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas also grew large amounts. The port of New Orleans shipped the most cotton, with Mobile being the second busiest.
What Services Did Cotton Factors Provide?
Cotton factors did much more than just sell cotton. They were very helpful to farmers who lived far away in the countryside.
Helping Farmers with Supplies
Cotton factors often bought goods for their farmer clients. This could include tools, food, or other things needed for the farm. They would even arrange for these goods to be shipped to the farmers.
Managing Farm Operations
These factors were like all-around business managers. They gave advice about the cotton market. They helped farmers decide when to sell their crops for the best price. They also helped manage the farm's workforce. Sometimes, they even helped farmers find schools for their children in distant cities.
Other Types of Factors
Not all factors dealt with cotton. Some specialized in other products. For example, in 1858, New Orleans had many factors who dealt with sugar and molasses. Louisiana grew a lot of sugar cane. However, there were probably even more cotton factors in the region.
