Cannelton Cotton Mill | Evansville

The Cannelton Cotton Mill, also known as the Indiana Cotton Mill, is a historically significant industrial complex located in Cannelton, Indiana, along the banks of the Ohio River. Constructed between 1849 and 1851, it was one of the largest cotton mills west of the Appalachian Mountains at the time, representing a major industrial endeavor in the Midwest during the 19th century.

Architectural Features and Construction

The mill was designed by Thomas Alexander Tefft, a prominent Rhode Island architect known for his mastery of Romanesque Revival architecture. The building’s imposing structure is crafted primarily from locally quarried sandstone, lending it durability and a distinctive aesthetic. One of the mill’s most notable architectural features is its pair of towering 100-foot twin towers: one served as a fire escape, and the other housed water storage used for fire protection-an advanced safety feature for its era.

The mill’s massive size-spanning five stories and covering approximately 25,000 square feet-reflected the ambition to establish a large-scale textile manufacturing center in the western United States, an area traditionally dominated by smaller mills.

Historical Context and Industrial Operation

The Cannelton Cotton Mill was founded by Hamilton Smith, a Louisville attorney who sought to break the New England monopoly on textile manufacturing by leveraging the region’s coal resources to power steam engines. Unlike many eastern mills powered by water, this mill used steam power generated from nearby coal mines, positioning it as a pioneer in industrial technology west of the Alleghenies.

Despite innovative design and ambition, the mill faced numerous challenges. The outbreak of the Civil War temporarily disrupted operations, but the mill contributed significantly by producing cotton batting and fabric used in Union Army uniforms. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the mill remained a vital local employer, producing millions of yards of cotton sheeting annually.

Workforce and Social Impact

The mill’s workforce predominantly consisted of women and children, reflective of industrial labor practices of the era. Records from 1890 show that out of 309 workers, 78 were men, while by 1900, many workers were youths, including 35 girls and 19 boys under 18 years old. This demographic highlights the important role the mill played in the economic life of the Cannelton community and raises historical questions about labor conditions and child labor practices during the Industrial Revolution.

Decline and Preservation Efforts

Industrial shifts and economic pressures led to the mill’s closure in 1954, after which the building remained unused and fell into disrepair. Recognizing its architectural and historical importance, the Cannelton Cotton Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1991.

In 1999, the Lincoln Hills Development Corporation acquired the property, undertaking a comprehensive restoration and adaptive reuse project. The goal was to preserve the mill’s historic fabric while revitalizing it for contemporary use. This restoration transformed the once-abandoned mill into a 70-unit low-income apartment complex, completed in 2003. The project earned the National Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its excellence in historic rehabilitation and community impact.

Present-Day Significance and Visiting

Today, the Cannelton Cotton Mill stands as a testament to 19th-century industrial innovation and regional heritage. While it functions as residential apartments and is not generally open for public tours inside, visitors can view and admire the exterior architecture and appreciate its grand scale and historical presence along the Ohio River waterfront.

The mill is located at 310 Washington Street in Cannelton, Indiana. It serves as a landmark symbolizing the area’s industrial past and the success of historic preservation efforts that saved the structure from demolition.

Summary

The Cannelton Cotton Mill exemplifies early industrial ambition in the American Midwest, blending advanced 19th-century steam-powered technology with architectural grandeur. Its history reflects broader themes of industrialization, labor practices, and economic development. Through dedicated preservation, it remains a physical and cultural monument, bridging Cannelton’s rich past with its contemporary community.