MUSCOGEE COUNTY, GA - HISTORY - Columbus Cotton Factory (Clapp's)
 
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HISTORY OF COLUMBUS COTTON FACTORY (CLAPP'S)

SOURCE: "The Columbus, Georgia Centenary 
1828-1928" by Nancy Telfair, (c) 1929 by Louis C. Kunze, published by 
The Historical Publishing Co., Columbus, GA. Here are some notable 
passages:


On page 43, "The Columbus Cotton Factory was begun in
1834 but was not completed until four years later, due no
doubt to the Indian war and consequent business
depression. Three years later Adiel Sherwood mentions a
cotton mill "three miles above Columbus on the
Chattahoochee." Martin, however, in his history refers to
the 'Columbus Cotton Factory' being in operation in 1838
and White says in his statistics that it was begun in
1834."


Page 67, "In 1838 the Columbus Factory was in operation,
'spinning cotton, yarn and carding wool.' The dam for
this establishment was a tree cut down, thrown over a
gorge, and planked up. This was surely a modest beginning
for the activities of the present day."


Page 83, "...Messrs. Clapp, Chandler and Stewart are
successfully and most profitably employed in
manufactuiring several descriptions of cotton goods. We
have heard of other companies formed or to be formed."


Page 84, "Columbus Factory: Capital $50,000; situated
three miles from Columbus, at the head of the falls,
having 50 feet of fall within 300 yards; commenced in
1834. Spindles.................................. 1800
Looms.....................................   32 Wool-
carding machines.....................    2 Pounds of
cotton spun per day............. 1000 Number of
operatives (chiefly girls)......   80 Wages of
operatives, per month, from $10 to $12 The goods are sold
principally in Columbus. The owners speak highly of the
conduct of the operatives." --This is from White's
statistics of GA.


Page 119, "A short distance above the Bibb mills the
Columbus (Clapp's) Factory was situated on the well known
site. They wove cotton and woolen goods and in connection
with same had a grist mill which was noted for the fine
quality ground there. There was also a tan yard and shoe
factory. They also owned the bridges across the river. As
there are two islands at the bridge site, it took three
bridges to span the river, a short one in center and two
large ones, on the Alabama and Georgia banks, but there
were no piers needed for the bridges. It is hardly
necessary to mention that all the last named proprietors
were also burned out." --The had mentioned several other
factories.


Page 186, "...Columbus Factory, with 116 looms;..." --
1874