Charlottesville Woolen Mills

October 7, 2009, 9:35 am
Filed under: Wearables | Tags: Charlottesville, pendelton, woolen mills, woolrich

As of late there has been alot of interest in clothing that is branded or named as “Woolen Mills.” Fueled by the work wear aesthetic and renewed interest in heritage or American made garments, brands such as Pendelton Woolen Mills or Woolrich Woolen Mills have experienced an . However as this trend continues I can’t help but think about the Woolen Mills I know of in my town of Charlottesville.

Located on the Rivanna River and in the shadow of Jefferson’s Monticello the mill was constructed in the 1850′s. First making garments for the confederate army it was in service for over a century until the 1960′s when it closed its doors for good. Its workers and their families built their lives and community around the mill all living within walking distance of work. While its garments may not still be available to wear its history is accessible simply by walking through the neighborhood.