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The first dwelling house was erected in September 1846, and in 1850 the town contained 8,500 inhabitants, and upwards of 1,000 dwellings. There were 15 schools, attended by 1,000 scholars, and conducted by 16 teachers.

The town now contains upwards of 13,000 inhabitants.

53. Water Power.—The water power was obtained by building a dam which has a 25 feet fall of water, 900 feet broad.

The dam is constructed in the form of a curve of solid masonry, imbedded in and bolted to the rock. It is 35 feet thick at the base, and averages 32 feet in height. Its cost was $260,000 (about 60,000l.). The water is taken from the river above the dam by a canal just a mile in length, 100 feet broad at its upper end, and 60 feet broad at the lower, 12 feet deep in the middle, and 4 feet at the sides. Its total cost, including locks and other structures connected with it, was $200,000 (about 40,000l.).

54. Cotton Mills.—Seven large incorporated manufacturing companies have already commenced operations, and others are about to be established.

The largest cotton mills employ about 1,200 hands.