Wool Mills Operating in the United States: Part 1

The United States wool textile industry, once a foundational sector of the American Industrial Revolution, has contracted from hundreds of integrated mills in the early 20th century to only a few surviving operations capable of processing wool. Today’s domestic wool mills vary in scale and services — from historic, full-service textile complexes to smaller specialty spinners and dyers. This article examines prominent wool mills still in operation, outlining their processing capabilities including scouring (washing), dyeing, spinning, weaving, finishing, and other related services.

Historically, wool manufacturing in the United States included vast complexes performing all textile processing steps — from raw wool scouring through spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing. Over the decades, global competition, offshoring of textile production, and cost pressures drastically reduced domestic capacity. A 2016 industry survey suggested that by that point only a handful of commercial vertical woolen and worsted mills remained in the United States — a stark decline from mid-20th century figures when hundreds existed. Winthrop Group

Major Wool Mills and Processing Operations in the U.S.

Historical Context the U.S. wool industry began in the colonial period with sheep farming. Over time, technological advancements and consumer demand have shaped wool processing, focusing on traditional products and innovative, sustainable practices.

Other Specialty Processors

Wool Dye Houses: Historically, operations such as G.J. Littlewood & Son in Pennsylvania were among the oldest dye houses serving the U.S. wool industry, providing fiber and yarn dyeing services for over 150 years before ceasing operations following a flood in 2021. Thomas Jefferson University+1

Scouring Facilities: Large-scale dedicated wool scouring (washing) facilities are rare. One historically significant scouring plant, Chargeurs in South Carolina, processed millions of pounds of wool annually, though modern data on its current operations need verification.

Small Mills & Craft Processors: Smaller mills performing carding, dyeing, felting, and spinning at artisan scales across states. These typically serve local and niche markets rather than high-volume industrial clients.

The current U.S. wool mill landscape reflects significant contraction from past decades. The number of vertical wool mills has fallen to only a few, with a broader ecosystem of small specialty processors. Reconstruction of domestic infrastructure faces challenges including capital costs, supply chain integration, and workforce expertise. Winthrop Group

However, interest in sustainable and transparent “Made in USA” supply chains has bolstered demand for domestic wool processing, particularly in premium and artisanal segments. Initiatives linking fiber producers with mills and designers aim to strengthen local textile ecosystems. hillcountryobserver.com

While large, fully integrated wool mills in the United States are rare today, a small but resilient sector persists.

I will keep collecting information about mills in the USA. If you own a mill or know of any mills operating in the USA that should be included on my list, please send me an email.