Small Business Knowledge Network w/ Jim Vogel – From Horse and Buggy to AI: The Next Great Business Revolution
- Small Business Knowledge Network
Cornelius, North Carolina, was once known as Liverpool. In the 1800s, Liverpool, England, set cotton prices worldwide, and so much cotton went through a cotton mill operation established by R.J. Stough that people began calling it Liverpool. Stough also established a school, a cotton weighing operation, and a store south of the Davidson town limits. He also had visions of expanding his operations and approached Joseph Benjamin Cornelius for financial backing for his vision. This led to the formation of the Stough-Cornelius Company, which was incorporated in 1892, very near the original site of Stough’s relocated cotton scales.
The name change is attributed to Joseph Benjamin Cornelius, a prominent figure in the community at the time. In the mid-1700s, Europeans settled the land that would later become Cornelius. In 1855, Joseph Cornelius purchased a large tract of land and began growing cotton. He owned vast tracts of land along the Catawba River and was involved in various business ventures, including establishing a successful cotton plantation and ferry service.
Cornelius quickly became a prominent community member, serving as a justice of the peace and a member of the North Carolina State Legislature. By the late 1800s, the town had grown considerably. A post office was established in 1893, and the town was officially incorporated in 1905.
Cotton Mills’ Influence on the Region
Cotton mills were vital to the region’s economy, providing employment opportunities for local residents and driving economic growth. These mills processed raw cotton into textiles, including yarn, fabric, and clothing, which were then sold domestically and internationally.
One notable cotton mill in the area was the Davidson Cotton Mill, established in nearby Davidson, North Carolina, in the late 19th century. The mill played a significant role in the town’s economy, attracting workers from surrounding areas and contributing to Davidson’s growth and prosperity.
Another nearby mill was the Huntersville Cotton Mill, located in Huntersville, North Carolina. Established in the late 19th century, the mill operated for several decades, producing textiles that were shipped across the country.
Originally known as the Gem Yarn Mill, this historic mill has left an indelible mark on the town of Cornelius, North Carolina. In the late 1800s, Joseph Benjamin Cornelius provided the funding for its construction. Incorporated in 1907, the mill played a vital role in the local economy, contributing to the fabric of the community. Unfortunately, like many cotton mills, it closed its doors in 1962. The Gem Yarn Mill is the only remaining cotton mill still standing in Cornelius. Today, visitors can step back in time by exploring the Oak Street Mill in picturesque downtown Cornelius.
As mentioned, LKNConnect.com aims to report the history of “Life Before The Lake.” We will be researching the past of the towns around the lake and would like to hear from you about your family’s history of the area.
I have lived in Huntersville my entire life. We actually trace my family’s history back for eight generations. When folks hear this, they ask, “What was life like before the lake?” That question inspired me to research the history of the area. This new feature is the result of those questions. I plan to write many articles about “Life Before The Lake” and post them on www.Lknconnect.com’s website.
Information for this article came from several sources. One was Chuck McShane’s book A History of Lake Norman, published by The History Press, Charleston, SC 29403, Copyright, 2014. Another source was from Cindy Jacobs’ book, Images of America, Around Lake Norman, published by Arcada Publishing, Charleston, SC Copywrite, 2008. Some material also came from Leslie B. Rindoks’s book, A Town By Any Other Name, by Lorimer Press, published in 2005.
Follow LKNConnect.com for future short articles from these books, or they can be ordered from your favorite online bookstore.
