Lancaster Cotton Oil Company facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lancaster Cotton Oil Company
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Lancaster Cotton Oil Company, July 2012
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | S. Main St. at Lancaster & Chester Railroad tracks, Lancaster, South Carolina |
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| Area | 1.3 acres (0.53 ha) |
| MPS | Lancaster County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 89002145 |
| Added to NRHP | February 6, 1990 |
The Lancaster Cotton Oil Company was a large factory complex in Lancaster, South Carolina. It was a very important place for processing cotton seeds. This site is now a special historic district. It helps us remember the big role cotton played in the history of Lancaster County, South Carolina.
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The Lancaster Cotton Oil Company Story
The Lancaster Cotton Oil Company was a busy factory. It was made up of five main buildings and six other structures. These buildings worked together to process cotton seeds. The company started way back in 1907.
What Was a Cotton Oil Company?
A cotton oil company took cotton seeds and turned them into useful products. After cotton was picked, the seeds were left over. These seeds could be pressed to make cottonseed oil. This oil was used for cooking, in soaps, and even for animal feed. The leftover parts of the seed were also used.
A Look Back in Time
The Lancaster Cotton Oil Company began in 1907. It quickly became a key part of the local economy. In 1913, the company's office and seed house burned down. But the company rebuilt quickly. This showed how important the factory was.
Even after World War I, many cotton mills struggled. However, the Lancaster Cotton Oil Company kept going strong. It was one of the larger and more important mills in South Carolina. It continued to operate well into the 1930s and 1940s. This factory helped many people in the area find work.
Important Buildings and Structures
The historic district includes several original buildings and structures. These show how the factory worked.
- Seed and Hull House (built in 1937): This building stored the cotton seeds and their outer shells.
- Cotton Seed Processing Plant (built in 1907): This was the main factory building. Here, the seeds were processed into oil and other products.
- Oil Storage Tanks and Shed (built in 1907): These tanks held the oil after it was made. The shed protected the tanks.
- Cotton Gin (built in 1907): A cotton gin separates cotton fibers from their seeds. This was an early step in the process.
- Office (built in 1907): This building was where the company's business was managed.
Why Is It Historic?
The Lancaster Cotton Oil Company is important because it shows the history of industry in South Carolina. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This means it is a special place that should be protected. It helps us understand how people lived and worked in the past.
