South Carolina History- The Rise of the Textile Mills

Textile Mills Changed South Carolina's Economy

Because of the growth in textile mills, Question 1 Because of the growth in textile mills, More towns were built around the mills. More people moved to mill towns. More fabric could be made from cotton. More people made money.

In 1846, William Gregg built the Graniteville Mill. He also built the town of Graniteville. Graniteville had houses, churches, and stores.

Who Worked in the Mills? Families Moms Dads Children Very few African Americans

Many people worked in the mills to support their families.

Mills were very dirty and unhealthy.

Children as young as 8 years old began working in the mills Children as young as 8 years old began working in the mills. They, along with the women, were paid less than $5.

Furman Owens, who is 12 years old, can't read Furman Owens, who is 12 years old, can't read. He doesn't know his A,B,C's. He said, "Yes I want to learn but can't when I work all the time." He worked for 4 years in the mill.

In 1903, the General Assembly passed a bill that stated children under 12 could no longer work in the mills.

Mill Work for the African Americans Most textile owners only hired white workers. The African Americans that were hired had to work outside the mill. They helped bring in the loads of cotton. Because many African Americans could not find a decent job working in the mills, they outmigrated. This means that a large group of African Americans left South Carolina to find jobs elsewhere.