The Cotton Museum, Cotton industry museum in Memphis, Tennessee
The Cotton Museum is located in the historic Memphis Cotton Exchange building and documents the history of America's cotton industry. The collections include tools, vintage machinery, trading records, and photographs that show how cotton production changed over the decades.
The cotton industry was the economic center of the region for over a hundred years and shaped life in Memphis and the surrounding area. The building itself was where traders met daily to buy and sell cotton and conduct their business.
The exhibits show how cotton shaped the way people worked and traded across the region for generations. Visitors can see how this industry connected farmers, merchants, and entire communities together.
The museum offers guided tours and has programs for visitors of all ages, from school groups to adults. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded, giving you more time to explore the exhibits at your own pace.
The original price boards where cotton prices were recorded still hang on the walls and show how trades were made. These boards help visitors understand how a small group of traders in Memphis influenced global cotton markets.
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