At the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, there were many amazing things from American industry. People saw the first Ferris Wheel and the world’s first zipper. But what made them proud was seeing the cloth and fabric makers. About 200 of them, and over 60 were made of cotton. People felt proud of their country’s textile industry.
In the past, cotton was essential, especially in the southern parts of America. But now, fewer American companies want to buy cotton. There used to be almost 900 cotton mills in the US, but now there are only about 100. This is a big change, and it’s happening quickly.
Other industries are coming back to America, but not textiles. Textiles, like making clothes, are not seen as important as making computer chips or metals for electric cars. This is even though, during the pandemic, we saw how important it is to have local factories for things like masks.
This year, the textile industry is not using as much cotton as it has in a long time. And not many people are working in textile factories. American farmers still grow cotton, but they are having a hard time selling it overseas too.
There are many reasons why the textile industry is struggling. Other countries can make things cheaper, and more people are buying clothes made from materials other than cotton. Also, some changes in the US government have made it easier for foreign companies to sell clothes here.
One company, 1888 Mills, is closing its factory in Georgia. They’ve tried everything to keep it open, but it wasn’t enough. It’s sad for the workers and the company.
There were times when the cotton industry looked like it might get better, but it always went back down. Sometimes, when people got money from the government, they bought more clothes, but it didn’t last.
Some people still want to buy American-made products, including the military. And there are some new uses for textiles, like making special fabrics for different industries.
Most of the cotton grown in the US is sold to other countries. This means American farmers depend a lot on what happens in other parts of the world. This wasn’t always the case.
Many years ago, textile factories were mostly in the northern US. After the Civil War, they moved to the South where cotton was grown. This meant they could pay workers less. But now, many of these towns are struggling because the factories have closed.
Some people are trying to save old textile factories. They want to turn them into new places like apartments or stores. In one town in North Carolina, they are turning an old cotton mill into a rum distillery. They want to keep the history alive while making something new.
