The Cannelton Cotton Mill once stood alone on the North Bank of the Ohio River, its twin 100 foot towers an imposing sight for its several hundred laborers.
Hamilton Smith built the mill in 1849 with funding from Northern Industrialists and Southern Landowners. Smith hoped to create an industrial center at Cannelton to rival those of New England but his dreams never came true. The Civil War destroyed any hopes of a joint business venture between the North and South. Nonetheless, the Cannelton Cotton Mill has enjoyed a rich history, manufacturing fabric for Union army uniforms during the Civil War, and later military uniforms for both world wars.
Placed on the national register of historic places in 1976, it stood vacant for many years. Having recently undergone a massive renovation, the Cannelton Cotton Mill is alive once again with new occupants in 70 newly created apartments for senior citizens.
