First cotton yarn spun on U.S. made machinesIn 1790, the first successful cotton spinning machines built using American resources began production of cotton yarn in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Samuel Slater was first in the U.S. to reliably duplicate British cotton spinning machines. Slater had emigrated secretly from England (1789) with details of Richard Arkwight's machines memorized while an apprentice in a mill. His partner, who supplied the capital, was Moses Brown, a Rhode Island manufacturer, who needed to replace deteriorating English equipment. This success led to more expansion. They opened another new mill in Jul 1793 on the Blackstone River [left]. A new dam provided water power. This is Samuel Slater Day in Mass., to recognize the beginnings of America's own textile industry. |
