Early Cotton Press

National Register Listing

Street Address:

Near jct. of SC 917 and 38, Near Latta, SC (Dillon County)

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817717006

Description and Narrative:

The Early Cotton Press is significant in the field of rural industry and agriculture as the only remaining cotton press of this era in South Carolina which used mule power. It was built and located at “Berry’s Crossroads,” former site of a sawmill and other plantation works, by Stephen Berry in ca. 1798; later purchased and moved to its present location to preserve it around 1950. Although not now in use, it remains in excellent condition and illustrates the primary machine which baled ginned cotton. The press is constructed of pegged and doweled oak. A shingled roof is attached and covers a chiseled oak screw 16 inches in diameter. The screw, at time of nomination, was still in working condition. Two shingled booms are hinged at the roof and four large doweled beams support and balance the structure. The press box is housed at the center of the beams. All parts are hand carved and, except for several repairs, are original material. Listed in the National Register November 15, 1972.

Period of Significance:

1798;18th century

Level of Significance:

State

Area of Significance:

Industry;Ethnic Heritage: Black

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

November 15 1972

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