The Mooresville Cotton Mills began operations in 1893. By 1914 the mill had 550 employees and continued to grow into the largest employer in the county, with an annual payroll of $7 million. In 1916 the mill erected 40 houses for its employees within walking distance of the plant in what is still known today as Mill Village. Producing ginghams, flannels, yarns, wash cloths, towels and denim, over the years the mill expanded to cover 22 acres of floor space. The mill ceased operations in 1999.