Exterior photograph of the Overland Cotton Mill building, after a fire, located in Denver, Colorado. The 1891 Overland Cotton Mill was Colorado's only successful cotton mill. At its peak, the mill's annual production reached 12 million yards of cloth in a variety of types and patterns. The building operated as a mill from 1891 until 1903. The mill played a brief but important role in local labor history, particularly as it relates to children in the work force during the 1891-1903 period. The Mill's layout and fenestration typify large industrial buildings of late nineteenth century Denver. Such buildings were characterized by rhythmic bays of tall multi-light windows puncturing load-bearing masonry walls to maximize access for natural illumination.,The Overland Cotton Mill also operated as a munitions factory during World War II. The plant suffered a devastating fire in 1942. So important was the plant to the war production efforts that it was immediately repaired and restored to full operational status. The plant operated as a munitions factory from 1941 to 1945.
Original photograph held by The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, History Colorado
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