Opelika Cotton Mill

Opelika Cotton Mill

Opelika, AL; Lee County, AL; Industry; Textiles; Cotton

The first major industry in Lee County and the first textile mill in Opelika. It opened in 1900. Today, it is most well known as the backdrop for the 1979 film "Norma Rae" about a woman who become involved in the Labor Union Activities at the North Carolina textile factory where she works. The Opelika mill had itself unionized only a few years prior to the filming. The old mill is located at 1016 York Ave, Opelika, AL, 36801. The site was abandoned in 2004, but still stands.

Jonathan Sedlaczek

Image: "Whistle blows noon Opelika Cotton Mill"
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/ncl2004004125/PP/

Alabama Cultural Resource Survey

1900-2004

Jonathan Sedlaczek

JPEG and Text

English

Still Image and Text