Charlotte's landscape is dotted with remnants of cotton mills that once powered the city's economy. Before banks dominated the skyline, these mills were central to the region's growth. According to MeckNC.gov, these historic sites will be discussed in a book event on Feb. 26, highlighting Charlotte's textile era.
The Heist Brewery, Atherton Mill, and Optimist Hall, once active cotton mills, now serve as cultural landmarks. They will be featured in a discussion of Like a Family: The Making of a Southern Cotton Mill World, which explores personal accounts of textile workers from the 1920s and 1930s. Stewart Gray, director of the Historic Landmarks Department, told MeckNC.gov, "The transition of Charlotte into a major financial center is directly related to the cotton mills," setting the stage for the upcoming event.
Many Charlotte residents are unaware of the historical significance of the region’s mill villages. The book discussion will explore the textile industry’s impact on the South and the lives of workers who lived in these employer-owned communities. The event takes place at Heist Brewery, located in the former Highland Park Mill #3.
Preservation efforts have kept about 18 historic mills in Charlotte, repurposed for retail, dining, and living. The county hopes these spaces help residents engage with the city’s industrial past. The book reading is open to all, with more information and registration available on the Historic Landmarks Department website.
