The ways in which South Carolinians have earned their livings, enriched themselves and the state, and provided essential goods and services to each other, the region, and the nation have varied over time and place, and are becoming increasingly diverse. The images collected together in this category do not make up the whole story. Users of this collection are urged to look also at the following section on transportation, and to use the search function for additional images that illustrate the agriculture, commerce and industry of South Carolina.
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The Fairfield Cotton Mill, built in 1898, expanded its operation with the construction of this new building in 1918. The original owners sold the plant to Hampton Cotton Mills of Greenville in 1912...
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"From its first shipment of Carolina products to England in 1670, when seven cedar boards were included, lumbering in many forms has brought dependable wealth to South Carolina. In all its phases...
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The Portman Shoals Power Plant in Anderson County provided electric power for the Upcountry areas of South Carolina. Photographed for the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Courtesy of the...
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A cotton gin in operation at Strawberry Hill plantation, photographed in 1897. Courtesy of the Winthrop University Archives.
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The men's clothing store of S.M. Jones and Company in Chester, around the turn of the century. Courtesy of the Winthrop University Archives.
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Although kudzu was an effective method for healing serious erosion problems, the Department of Agriculture and county agricultural agents sought to prevent that erosion in the first place. One method...
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Aerial view of the Summer Nuclear Plant, located near Columbia and operated by SCE&G. It was completed in 1984 as an alternative to water or coal generated production to meet growing demands for...
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The paper industry in South Carolina is a major user of forest products of the state. This is the International Paper Mill in Georgetown, photographed in 1935. Courtesy of the South Caroliniana...
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Unloading raw cotton from the train at the Winnsboro Mills, around 1929. Courtesy of Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Manufacturing.
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Winnowing rice with a fanner basket near Beaufort, in 1907. The sweet grass baskets now sold as decorative items in Charleston area open air markets were originally essential pieces of home and field...
