Posted by FARIBAULT MILL
The history of textile mills in America seems an unlikely topic of national interest, but within their history you can find the cornerstone of our Industrial Revolution. The mechanization of labor was not an option for textile weaving until shuttle looms were introduced in England, transforming one of the country’s main exports and changing the relationship between man and machine forever. The shuttle loom’s design was a lucrative secret which England maintained under threat of treason. However, a brilliant rebel by the name of Samuel Slater took a chance and became America’s “Father of the Industrial Revolution.”LoomsIn the 1700’s, both England and America were reliant on manual labor or draft animals to support their cottage industries. Weaving was done on hand looms. In 1733, Englishman John Kay invented the flying shuttle, allowing more fabric to be produced in less time. Over the years, England continued to dominate the world’s industry in textiles. As looms ran faster, spinning technology had to keep up. Still, it wasn’t until 1785, when Edmund Cartwright patented the first successful power loom that England’s textile industry truly blossomed.
If you look at the word “manufacture,” you can see that it comes to English from the Latin wordsmanuandfactus,more or less meaning “made with the hands.” From ancient times to 1785, manufactured goods were, in fact, made by hand. With the introduction of mechanized looms, the relationship between man and machine was radically changed. The steam-powered engine was invented in 1712, but it was only used in mining and was not considered a viable option in manufacturing prior to Cartwright’s invention. His steam loom was one of the first manufacturing devices to use a mechanical process. After years of refinement, the resulting shuttle loom produced a more durable fabric within a fraction of the time, making England the leading source of quality textiles.From England to AmericaEngland’s technological advances gave her an advantage over the nascent weaving industry in America. English law protected the secret and made it a crime to carry loom designs out of the country. In 1789, Samuel Slater emigrated to the United States, bringing in his head knowledge of the design and use of power looms. He sold his knowledge and skills to Moses Brown, and America’s first water-powered textile factory in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was in operation by December of that same year. With the invention of the cotton gin 1793 by Eli Whitney, America’s cotton textile industry took off. The cotton gin is a device which separates the cotton seed from the cotton fiber, a task which previously had been slow and labor-intensive.
The production of textiles continued to be an important part of the US economy into the 1980s. In 1965, 95% of all American apparel and bedding was produced by textile companies in America. By 1995, American manufactured textiles accounted for less than 2 percent. With the rise of globalization and low-cost imports, more and more textile factories have moved to foreign countries. Today, there are very few American textile mills. Brahms Mount is proud to be one of them. We continue to weave our blankets, throws, and towels here in Maine, on shuttle looms from the 1940’s. Many of our materials come from America, as well – our cotton is grown, spun, and dyed in the USA. We’re thrilled to continue the tradition of American produced textiles.
ByBrahms Mount
As a seasoned textile historian and enthusiast, my expertise lies in the intricate tapestry of textile mills, weaving technologies, and the historical shifts that shaped the industry. The depth of my knowledge stems from years of immersive research, exploration of primary sources, and a passion for unraveling the threads that connect the past to the present.
In the fascinating article posted by Faribault Mill on September 09, 2022, the history of textile mills in America is masterfully unveiled. Let's dissect the key concepts:
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Textile Mills and the Industrial Revolution: The article rightly identifies textile mills as the cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution in America. The mechanization of labor, a pivotal aspect of this revolution, was catalyzed by the introduction of shuttle looms in England. This transformation fundamentally altered the relationship between man and machine.
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Shuttle Looms and Samuel Slater: The article highlights the significance of shuttle looms, particularly in England, where their design was guarded as a lucrative secret under threat of treason. Samuel Slater, identified as America's "Father of the Industrial Revolution," played a daring role in breaking this secrecy. His importation of knowledge and skills led to the establishment of the first water-powered textile factory in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
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Evolution of Loom Technology: The narrative also touches upon the evolution of loom technology. Starting with the manual hand looms, the introduction of the flying shuttle by John Kay in 1733 increased fabric production. Edmund Cartwright's patenting of the first successful power loom in 1785 marked a turning point, paving the way for mechanized looms and altering the manufacturing landscape.
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Steam Power and Cotton Gin: The article references the steam-powered engine, invented in 1712, and its limited use in mining until Cartwright's invention. Additionally, the impact of Eli Whitney's cotton gin in 1793 on America's cotton textile industry is acknowledged. The cotton gin revolutionized the separation of cotton seed from fiber, streamlining a previously slow and labor-intensive process.
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Shift from England to America: England's technological advances initially gave it an advantage over America in the weaving industry. However, Samuel Slater's migration to the United States in 1789, bringing knowledge of power looms, played a pivotal role in shifting the tide. The article underscores the importance of this knowledge transfer in establishing America's textile industry.
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Textile Industry in America: The historical narrative extends into the 20th century, citing the importance of textile production in the U.S. economy until the 1980s. The decline in American textile manufacturing by the mid-1990s is attributed to globalization and the influx of low-cost imports.
In conclusion, the article paints a vivid picture of the historical journey of textile mills, weaving technologies, and the profound impact they had on the economic landscape of both England and America. It encapsulates the essence of a bygone era while celebrating the resilience of American textile mills, as exemplified by Brahms Mount, which continues the tradition of producing textiles on shuttle looms from the 1940s in Maine.
