Historic Legacy of Warren Clay Coleman, America’s First Black Textile Mill Owner

Warren Clay Coleman once hailed as “the richest Black man in America,” remains a significant figure in history as the founder of the first Black-owned and operated textile mill in the United States.

The Charlotte Observer notes that his pioneering establishment still stands today in Concord, North Carolina, just outside Charlotte.

Born into slavery in 1849, Coleman leveraged his expertise in textiles, starting with a shop in 1897 and expanding to a full-scale mill that quickly became a beacon for Black empowerment during an era when African Americans were often barred from skilled labor in white-owned mills.

Coleman’s mill not only provided vital employment for 300 workers but also enriched the community by constructing Price Temple church, now known as Price Memorial A.M.E Zion, building 100 homes for his employees, and establishing a 17-acre cemetery.

His efforts garnered the admiration of key figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, who showcased images of the mill at the 1900 Paris Exposition as a symbol of Black progress.

However, Coleman faced financial challenges due to fluctuating cotton prices, leading to a temporary management takeover by a white cotton merchant and ultimately his loss of the mill after his death in 1904. It was sold at a sheriff’s sale to philanthropist Washington Duke for just $10,000.

Despite these challenges, Coleman’s legacy endures. The mill, located in the Logan neighbourhood—a historically Black community—was transformed into the Coleman Mill Apartments in 2022, providing affordable housing through a partnership with Winston-Salem-based developer Sari and Company.

The site continues to attract visitors and received national recognition when it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

Coleman’s great-great-great-nephew, Rodney Smith, expresses a deep sense of pride when reflecting on his ancestor’s impact. “Every time I drive on WC Coleman Boulevard, I feel a sense of pride for what he accomplished and bestowed on the Concord area,” Smith said.

He also notes the ongoing recognition of Coleman’s achievements, with images displayed in local spots like the Carolina Mall, instilling pride in younger generations.