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The Janesville Cotton Mill

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

The Janesville Cotton Mill is a three story brick mill constructed in September of 1874 and finished in February of 1875. It was built along the Rock River to harness the power of water to turn the machines used to process cotton.

Images

The Cotton Mill as it appears today.

The Cotton Mill as it appears today.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

The Janesville Cotton Mill was built to serve as the workplace for the Janesville Cotton Manufacturing Company. The building was outfitted with the latest manufacturing technology in 1875. By 1880, The Cotton Mill employed about 250 people who were mostly women and first generation Irish and German immigrants. The Cotton Mill was used by various textile industries throughout the 20th century including the Janesville Shirt and Overall Company and the Janesville Apparel Company. Today, the three story building has been transformed into The Cotton Mill Apartments. 

Cite This Entry


Hunter Salmon on behalf of Rock County Historical Sites Project and Nathan Fuller. "The Janesville Cotton Mill." Clio: Your Guide to History. June 23, 2020. Accessed April 23, 2025. https://theclio.com/entry/23527

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