History
Built in 1823, the Belknap Mill is the oldest, unaltered brick textile mill in the U.S. from the earliest days of the Industrial Revolution. It featured one of the first integrated models for textile manufacturing--the forebear of the modern assembly line. The Belknap Mill led the national industrial conversion from weaving to knitting in 1861 and was one of the first in the region to transition from water turbines to hydroelectric power in 1918. Until closing its doors in 1969, the Mill was a leading producer of hosiery-- keeping the nation in socks through an era that included the Civil War and World Wars I and II.
Specialties
The Belknap Mill hosts year-round community and civic events including concerts, craft fairs, networking socials, town hall forums and gala events. Whatever your age or interests, there are always exciting opportunities to gather at the Belknap Mill.