The surplus was peddled from wagons in adjoining counties or even in a neighboring State.

Little attempt was made to seek a wider outlet, and many of these mills could supply the small local demand by running only a few months in the year.
During the Civil War, however, these mills were worked to their full capacity.

At the cessation of hostilities many mills were literally worn out; others were destroyed by the invading armies; and fewer were in operation in 1870 than before the War.

During the next decade, hope of industrial success began to return to the South.

The mills in operation were making some money; the high price of cotton had brought money into the section; and a few men had saved enough to revive the industry.