What is a mill town?

A mill town is a settlement that developed around a mill or factory, typically powered by water (watermill), steam (steam mill), or electricity (electric mill). These towns were often built near natural resources such as rivers or forests to take advantage of the power source and raw materials needed for production.

Mill towns were a common feature of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, as the growth of manufacturing industries led to the establishment of factories in rural areas. Workers would often migrate to these towns in search of employment, and the population would rapidly grow as the mill expanded.

These towns were often characterized by rows of terraced housing for workers, as well as industrial buildings such as warehouses, workshops, and mills. The economy of the town would be heavily dependent on the mill and its related industries, with many residents working in manufacturing or related services.

While mill towns were important centers of industrial production, they also often faced challenges such as poor working conditions, pollution, and social issues related to rapid urbanization. Many mill towns have since declined as industries have moved away or modernized, leaving behind a legacy of industrial heritage. Today, some former mill towns have transformed into tourist destinations or cultural centers, preserving their industrial history while diversifying their economies.