In the early years of English settlement South Carolina’s plantation economy depended on rice and indigo. That changed after the invention of the cotton gin in 1794. Two slaves operating a cotton gin could deseed 50 pounds cotton in a day. By hand those two slaves could only do one pound a day. Cotton became the staple crop, employing more than eighty percent of the slave labor force.
This small but nicely done museum follows the progression of the cotton plantations, the devastation caused by the boll weevil, and growth of textile industry.
A short steep, ramp at the entrance door and a door that opens outward makes access almost impossible without assistance. The interior is accessible. The small Veterans Museum, which shares the building and is included in admission, has display cases that are too high for easy viewing by visitors in wheelchairs.
Parking is available across the street or in the parking lot at the north side of the building. Museum 34.22072, -80.24657
No comments:
Post a Comment