Washington Cotton Factory

Washington Cotton Factory

The Washington Cotton Factory in 1940
Location On U.S. 91 (Frontage Rd. West), Washington, Utah
Coordinates 37°7′45″N 113°30′53″W / 37.12917°N 113.51472°W / 37.12917; -113.51472Coordinates: 37°7′45″N 113°30′53″W / 37.12917°N 113.51472°W / 37.12917; -113.51472
Area 7 acres (2.8 ha)
Built 1867 (1867)
NRHP Reference # 71000864[1]
Added to NRHP April 16, 1971

The Washington Cotton Factory was built in 1865-67 on Mill Creek near Washington, Utah by Mormon settlers to process locally-grown cotton for use by the settlers. The region of the Virgin River valley became known among Mormons as the "Cotton Mission," a project envisioned by Brigham Young to establish Mormon self-sufficiency.[2]

The mill encountered difficulties in finding a reliable supply of raw cotton and suffered from an erratic water flow. It operated on and off until 1898, when it was permanently closed. It was subsequently used as a warehouse.[2]

The sandstone building was initially completed with one story. Two more stories were added by 1870 to meet demand. A reservoir near the mill could provide ten hours of operation from fourteen hours of stored water.[2]

The Washington Cotton Factory was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 16, 1971.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 3 Smith, Melvin T. (December 2, 1970). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form: Washington Cotton Factory" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 6 March 2014.


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