Around 170 years ago, Daniel Pratt constructed a cotton gin just west of Montgomery on a high flowing creek, later named Autauga Creek, founding the town of Prattville (creative, right?). It was a spearhead for the most rapidly booming business in the state of Alabama and Pratt invested in building a railroad, school, more manufacturing and more infrastructure for the city. In 1899, the Pratt Cotton Gin merged with some others and became the Continental Gin Company, which continued to operate through 1966. Eagle Corporation eventually bought it out and Continental Eagle is the oldest continuously-operated industry in Alabama.
64 Things to Love About Alabama: The Pratt Cotton Gin Mill
