Cotton Press in Tarboro, NC - Vintage Photo, 1930s

This vintage photograph captures a mule-driven cotton press, a significant agricultural facility once common in North Carolinas Edgecombe County, particularly near Tarboro. The cotton press, a pivotal part of the cotton industry, exemplifies the agricultural practices of the region during a time when such facilities were vital for processing cotton.

Taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, the image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document the unique structures and landscapes of the southern United States. The cotton press depicted is now considered practically extinct and has been relocated to a park in Raleigh, North Carolina, where it serves as a historical artifact.

The photograph showcases the wooden structure of the cotton press, emphasizing its role in the agricultural heritage of the area. This image not only provides a glimpse into the cotton industry of the past but also highlights the craftsmanship involved in these early agricultural buildings.