Pepperell Manufacturing Company became a major part of Opelika's history when treasurer Russell Leonard of the Biddeford, Maine, company came to Opelika in late 1925 with a vision of opening the first Pepperell mill in the South, a goal made possible by the people of Opelika. Already a leader in textile manufacturing, Pepperell prospered under general manager Homer M. Carter from 1927 to 1961 and made the mill a success even during the most devastating depression in U.S. history. During World War II, Pepperell received the Army-Navy "E" Award for consistently meeting high standards of quality and quantity in producing war equipment. As one of the largest and strongest corporations in the textile field, Pepperell produced quality goods that reached every aspect of American life and remained an important factor in the progress and well-being of Opelika. The company is remembered through the pioneer men and women who came to Pepperell, endured, and gave their best to build a new way of life, though the mill was destroyed by fire on March 12, 2013.