Derry in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
The Cost of Cotton
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023
1. The Cost of Cotton Marker
The Cotton Gin was central to the economic life of the plantation. By 1820, the U.S. grew over 30 times more cotton than when Eli Whitney's gin was patented, making it the world's leading supplier, Meeting the demand of textile mills of New England and Great Britain, the South became a vast expanse of cotton plantations by 1850.
Enslaved labor built this "cotton kingdom's" wealth. In 1860 Magnolia Planters enslaved more people and produced more cotton than any other Natchitoches Parish plantation. After picking, workers hauled cotton to the Gin to be ginned (de-seeded) and pressed into 400-pound bales for market. Cotton processing was dangerous. In 1856, enslaved worker "Little Ned" was "burnt to death" in the press.
Freedom brought few changes, as many formerly enslaved people's lives remained tied to cotton. Sharecroppers and tenant farmers continued ginning and pressing cotton at Magnolia until the Gin Barn was damaged by a tornado in 1939.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture.
Location. 31° 32.866′ N, 92° 56.486′ W. Marker is in Derry, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. Marker is on State Highway
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Industry vs Manpower (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Cloutierville (within shouting distance of this marker); A River Runs Through It (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Plantation Landscape (about 500 feet away); Gardens and Porches (about 500 feet away); Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1863 (about 600 feet away); Escaped! Freedom Seekers in 1804 (about 700 feet away); Magnolia Plantation (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Derry.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023
2. The Cost of Cotton Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
