Easley Cotton Mill
The Easley Mill, also known as the Easley Cotton Mill or Geer Mill, is a historic textile mill located at 601 South 5th Street in Easley, South Carolina. Built between 1899 and 1901, it was the first of three textile mills constructed in Easley during the early 20th century. The mill was designed by the renowned architectural firm Lockwood, Greene & Co., known for their expertise in mill engineering and design .
The mill was founded by John Mattison Geer, a cotton buyer for the Piedmont Manufacturing Company. By 1907, the mill had expanded to include over 37,000 spindles and 1,000 looms, employing approximately 500 workers. It produced “convertible and export sheeting,” catering to both domestic and international markets .
In 1920, the mill was sold to Woodside Mills of Greenville, and later, in 1956, to Dan River, Inc., which operated the facility until its closure in 1990 .
The Easley Mill complex includes several contributing structures: The main four-story brick mill building with a shallow-pitched hip roof and bracketed eaves.
- A one-story office building.
- A warehouse.
- A smokestack.
- A water tower.
- A monument dedicated to the mill’s founder, John Mattison Geer .
In 2013, the Easley Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance in the industrial history of South Carolina .
Following its closure, the mill underwent a transformation into a residential complex known as the Easley Mill Lofts. This adaptive reuse project preserved many of the building’s historic features while introducing modern amenities. The lofts offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with features such as exposed brick walls, historic hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances. Community amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, library, movie theater, and access to the nearby Doodle Trail .
