Vintage Cotton Press in Tarboro, NC - 1941 Photo

This vintage photograph features a mule-driven cotton press once located in Tarboro, North Carolina, a significant area in Edgecombe County known for its historical ties to the cotton industry. The image captures a machinery type that has become nearly extinct, embodying an essential aspect of agricultural practices in the early 20th century.

The cotton press, which was instrumental in processing cotton, reflects the regions agricultural heritage. The machinery depicted in the photo has since been relocated to a park in Raleigh, North Carolina, where it serves as a reminder of the states agricultural history. This photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a critical documentation effort that highlights the architectural and industrial developments of the era.

Published in 1941 in Thomas Tileston Watermans The Early Architecture of North Carolina, this image is a valuable historical resource. It connects viewers to the past, illustrating the importance of the cotton industry in shaping North Carolinas economy and culture.

KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.