No industry has had a greater impact on North Carolina’s history than textile manufacturing.  It shaped every facet of life—business, politics, social relations, and culture.  Many communities across the state owe their existence to this industry.  This guide seeks to list sources for the origins and development of the cotton industry in North Carolina. Book sources are of two types: [1] those dealing with industry development; and [2] histories of specific mills. Scholarly articles are found in the North Carolina Historical Review. Information on local history is found on the NC Collection home page.