Coleman-Franklin-Cannon Mill, historic industrial complex at 625 Main Street SW in Concord, North Carolina
The Coleman-Franklin-Cannon Mill is a historic textile factory built in Concord, North Carolina, designed to house production equipment and workers across a large industrial complex. The two-story brick structure features large windows and sturdy framing that supported heavy machinery, with a long, narrow form typical of early textile operations.
The mill was founded in 1898 by Warren Clay Coleman, an African-American entrepreneur who partnered with investors to support the ambitious project. After Coleman's death in 1904, ownership changed hands multiple times and later expanded significantly under Fieldcrest-Cannon before eventually closing as a textile operation.
The name reflects the different owners and the African-American entrepreneur who founded the mill as a significant business achievement. Visitors can see how the building served generations of workers and remains a symbol of resilience and economic opportunity in the community.
The mill is located on Main Street near downtown Concord and is easily accessible on foot from the town center. The site preserves its original brick structure and large windows, making it visible from the street and allowing visitors to observe the industrial architecture from outside.
One of the few cotton mills of its era founded by an African-American entrepreneur, and the building was later converted into a distillery for moonshine production, showing how it adapted to economic changes. This dual history makes the structure a remarkable example of industrial reuse and ongoing community significance.
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