This section helps us to understand the daily lives of those who lived and actively participated in the growth that Brattonsville experienced during their lifetimes.
Did you know that the word "gin," as in cotton gin, was an abbreviation for the word "engine"?
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Bale of cotton, compressed so it is easier to ship
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A cotton gin was used to clean the cotton, removing the seeds and stems Did you know that the word "gin," as in cotton gin, was an abbreviation for the word "engine"?
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Cotton was a very important cash crop for families like the Brattons, who not only raised grain crops like wheat, oats and corn, but also raised cotton, which gave them the economic capital to...
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19th Century Cotton Gin, made in Birgmingham Alabama.
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Loom inside one of the Reconstructed Slave Cabins, also referred to as the "Weave House." Be sure to view Living History: Made By Hand to gain a better understanding of what life was like during this...
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Spinning wheel used in the 18th century by the Bratton women, and in the 19th century by slaves, as women became more socially active.
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The first Scots-Irish settlers had to be self-sufficient because they were often isolated from other people by distances of miles. Food had to be acquired through gardening, herding and hunting. Cloth...
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Fireplace inside the McConnell Cabin. The Brick Kitchen and the McConnell Cabin are the only buildings in which fire was used. Early 1800s cooking is represented here.
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Fireplace inside Reconstructed Slave Cabin
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Cart used for loading corn. In addition to corn, Dr. John Bratton also grew wheat and oats, and much of his wealth came from growing cotton.