The Monarch Cotton Mills in Union, SC were organized in 1899, opening in early 1901, originally manufacturing print cloth and sheeting. Later the Monarch Cotton Mills united with the Lockhart Mills and became the Monarch Mills.

The Monarch Mills started the Lockhart Power Company in 1912, who constructed a hydroelectric dam in Lockhart, SC from 1912-1921. The company faced many financial difficulties with the project but eventually it was completed.

Today Monarch Mill is owned by Milliken, still using the original building but with many add-ons.

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