Falls City (Great Falls) Cotton Mill

Falls City (Great Falls) Cotton Mill. , 1892 - Falls City Cotton Mill was built by Asa Faulkner and several others. It was the only textile mill in Warren County prior to 1930. The mill was in operation until the great flood of 1902, which destroyed many of the mills in the region. Situated on the bluff above the Great Falls of the Caney Fork River, the structure survived but was forced to close due to the loss of the turbine that washed away., The mill was operated by a flume, turbine, ropes, and pulleys powered by water diverted from the falls. The operation included the manufacture of cotton, wool products, and was well known for its heavy cotton sheeting., Mr. Faulkner, wanting to help those most in need, hired and housed some 300 workers, predominately widows and children. This created a booming “city” that included its own blacksmith, post office, farm, market, and store of company products., 1840s - Bosson Mill was one of the earliest mills in this area, located just downstream from here. Local stones were used to grind corn and Thomas Bosson had a set of stones shipped from France for $300 to grind wheat., Captions (clockwise from top left) , . The mill viewed from across Great Falls. Workers stand atop flume which diverted water from falls to turbine, inset in bluff to right. , . Local residents, perhaps on a Sunday outing. , . Mill employees ready for work. , . Great Falls Mill after its closing, ca. 1920s. By this time, many residents were employed by the Tennessee Electric Power Company, who began construction on the nearby dam and power station in 1917.