Exposition Cotton Mills facts for kids

The Exposition Cotton Mills were large factories in Atlanta, Georgia, where cotton was turned into thread and fabric. They were built for a special event called the International Cotton Exposition in 1881. These mills were a big part of Atlanta's history, showing how important cotton was to the South. The buildings were taken down in 1952, and today, a large warehouse stands where they used to be.

What Were the Exposition Cotton Mills?

The Exposition Cotton Mills were factories that processed cotton. Cotton is a soft, fluffy fiber that grows on plants. In these mills, machines would spin the cotton into long threads called yarn. Then, other machines would weave the yarn into cloth. This cloth could then be used to make clothes, towels, and many other things.

The mills were located in an area of Atlanta known as West Midtown. This part of the city has a lot of old buildings that show its history as a place where many factories and industries once thrived.

Built for a Special Event

The mills were built specifically for the International Cotton Exposition of 1881. An "exposition" is like a big fair or exhibition. The 1881 event was held to show off new technologies and ideas related to the cotton industry. It also aimed to encourage more businesses to invest in cotton production in the Southern United States. The Exposition Cotton Mills were a working example of what could be achieved.

A Big Success

The mills were very successful right from the start. An Atlanta historian named Franklin Garrett said their success was "immediate" and "continuous." This means they quickly started making a lot of products and kept doing well for a long time.

The mills played a huge role in helping the cotton industry grow across the Southern states. They produced an amazing amount of material:

• More than 1,000,000 miles (1,600,000 km) of yarn each month.
• More than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of cloth each month.

Imagine how much yarn and cloth that is! It shows how busy and important these mills were to the economy of the time.

Where Were They Located?

The original address for the Exposition Cotton Mills was 794 West Marietta Street in Atlanta. Over time, street names can change. Today, the location is known as 841 Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard NW. This street was once called Ashby Street.

Why Were the Mills Demolished?

The Exposition Cotton Mills stood for many years, from 1881 until 1952. By the mid-20th century, many old industrial buildings were being replaced. New technologies and changing ways of doing business often led to older factories being torn down. After the mills were demolished, a warehouse and distribution center were built on the site. This new building continued the area's history as a place for business and trade, though in a different way.