Villa Rica in Carroll County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Mill
By 1900, the two–block area to the east of here was developed by the Villa Rica Cotton Oil Mill, whose president was W. B. Chandler. The original brick buildings were first used as warehouses to store the cotton bales made at the cotton gin building, which was also on this site.
In 1902, The Villa Rica Electric Light and Power Company was incorporated and occupied part of the complex. It was soon followed by the ice plant and the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant. The first cola bottles used here had the name of the electric light company imprinted on them. A fertilizer plant was later added in 1908.
By 1927, this multi-business became the Villa Rica Manufacturing Company, adding a new hosiery mill component known as Rica Tex Mills. The last two major textile mills operating here were the Golden City Hosiery Mills and Vince Hosiery Mill, Inc. The two-acre property and buildings were sold in 2000 and became the home of Avanti Auto Manufacturing, Incorporated. In 2006, the site was purchased by the City of Villa Rica.
In the early deeds, the street area to the west of the mill complex was referred to as ”The Public Square”. The old railroad depot was located about 150 feet down the track from the corner of this property and flanked one side of the “square” area.
Erected by City of Villa Rica, Georgia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 33° 43.888′ N, 84° 55.078′ W. Marker is in Villa Rica, Georgia, in Carroll County. Marker is at the intersection of North Carroll Road and East Church Street, on the right when traveling east on North Carroll Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Villa Rica GA 30180, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Thomas Andrew Dorsey (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Riders (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Villa Rica Explosion (about 500 feet away); Villa Rica's Textile Industry (about 500 feet away); Bank of Villa Rica (about 600 feet away); Thomas A. Dorsey (approx. half a mile away); Fullerville Jail (approx. one mile away); The Grove (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Villa Rica.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2017, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 9, 2017, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.