The History of Traditional Textile Manufacturing in the USA

The textile industry has played a pivotal role in shaping the American economy, workforce, and cultural landscape. From the early days of water-powered mills to today’s modern manufacturing methods, textiles have woven themselves deeply into the history of the United States. Let’s take a look at how traditional textile manufacturing began, evolved, and where it stands today.

The Rise of American Textiles: 1800s

In the early 1800s, the American textile industry was born out of necessity and innovation. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, the United States began to establish its mills to reduce its reliance on European imports. The first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill in the country was built in 1790 by Samuel Slater in Rhode Island, sparking a boom in mill towns across New England.

Throughout the 19th century, textile manufacturing flourished, especially in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and later in the Southern states. These mills became the backbone of small towns, providing thousands of jobs and helping to support growing local economies. By the mid-1800s, cotton mills dominated the industry, producing fabric for clothing, upholstery, and home goods.

This was also a period of enormous social and economic change. The industry depended heavily on cheap labor, first from women and children, then increasingly from Southern Black workers after emancipation. The boom in cotton textiles was inextricably linked to the legacy of slavery, as cotton farming remained primarily centered in the American South.

The Golden Age: Early to Mid-1900s

The early 20th century marked a golden era for American textiles. As industrialization spread, textile mills modernized with the use of steam and electric power, allowing for increased production and efficiency. The Southern states, particularly North and South Carolina and Georgia, began to overtake New England as the hub for textile production due to lower labor costs and proximity to cotton farms.

During World War I and World War II, the textile industry was vital for producing military uniforms, parachutes, tents, and other essential materials. Manufacturing boomed, and the textile industry became one of the largest sectors in the U.S. economy. By the 1950s, the U.S. was a global leader in textile production, with a strong domestic supply chain and large-scale operations.

In this era, “Made in the USA” was a mark of quality. Textile production was still mostly domestic, and many families built their livelihoods on mill work. Towns grew up around textile mills, and the culture of weaving, dyeing, and sewing was passed down through generations.

The Shift: Late 1900s to Today

But by the 1980s and 1990s, the landscape had shifted dramatically. Globalization, automation, and rising domestic labor costs began to erode the foundation of the U.S. textile industry. As international trade agreements made it easier and cheaper to outsource manufacturing, many American companies moved operations overseas, primarily to Asia, where production costs were significantly lower.

This outsourcing led to the rapid decline of traditional textile towns. Mills closed, jobs disappeared, and the once-vibrant industry began to hollow out. In just a few decades, the U.S. went from being one of the world’s top textile producers to becoming heavily reliant on foreign imports.

Today, less than 3% of clothing sold in the United States is made here. The large-scale, community-centered textile mills of the past are now few and far between.

What Remains—and What’s Next

Despite this decline, a handful of U.S.-based manufacturers have held strong, adapting to the new market by focusing on quality over quantity, sustainable practices, and niche production. Companies like FiberArt are leading a resurgence of interest in domestic, ethical, and artisan-made textiles.

Modern American textile manufacturing looks very different from its industrial roots, but its craftsmanship, legacy, and cultural significance remain just as powerful. Today’s focus is on smaller batch, custom, and eco-conscious production, bringing new meaning to a historic art form.

The story of American textiles is one of reinvention. And while the industry may never look like it did in its heyday, its next chapter could be just as impactful, rooted in values of sustainability, artistry, and accessibility for creators everywhere.