Whisnant Hosiery Mills
Whisnant Hosiery Mills is a brick factory in Hickory built in 1929 and covering about 2 acres of land. The building comprises one or two stories with multiple sections added over decades, displaying different brick and glass styles from various periods and showing the industrial architecture typical of mid-20th century textile plants.
The mill opened in 1929 and expanded significantly by 1938 with over 500 workers producing thousands of pairs of socks daily. The final major expansion in 1966 doubled its size, reflecting the peak of hosiery manufacturing in Hickory before production ceased in 2011.
The name Whisnant reflects the original owner, and the mills embody Hickory's identity as a hosiery production hub that shaped daily life for generations. The site today shows how this industry defined the community and connected local families to work and livelihood.
The site is located on Eighth Street SE and is accessible for visitors interested in industrial history. After closing in 2011, the building was renovated and reopened in 2015 with new uses such as shops and offices, making it possible to see the structure and understand its past.
The mill was designed by local architect D. Carroll Abee, who also created the 1966 expansion with an innovative mix of brick, concrete, and glass that gave it a modern look. This architectural blend shows how an industrial building could evolve while maintaining its purpose, making it a distinctive example of mid-century industrial design.
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