Cotton Becomes King

1793-1860. Learn how Cotton Becomes King due to the introduction of the cotton gin. This new invention also created opportunities for the expansion of slavery and the move towards westward expansion. The tensions that arise during this time period eventually lead to Civil War.
Toggle Filters

Filter By:

Clear Filters
Grade
Resource Type
Downloadable Content
Cotton Gin | Historic Brattonsville
Cotton Gin | Historic Brattonsville

Photo

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"?
William Gregg | S.C. Hall of Fame

Video

William Gregg (1800-1867) was born in Charleston and was a leading advocate of Southern industrialization. He founded a successful cotton mill in Graniteville, South Carolina and brought the concept...
Joel Poinsett | S.C. Hall of Fame

Video

Joel Roberts Poinsett wore many hats in his lifetime, but is mostly known for bringing the Poinsettia Christmas Flower to the United States. He has been labeled Diplomat, Botanist and Statesman.
William Gregg | Legacy of Leadership Profile

Video

William Gregg (1800–1867) William Gregg, jeweler, watchsmith, champion of industry, and founder of the Graniteville Company, was known as the father of Southern cotton manufacturing. Gregg was born...