The Coleridge Historic District is an abandoned historic site in North Carolina. Once the proud home of the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, it was the southernmost cotton mill built along the Deep River in Randolph County. The remaining pieces of this former bustling area — one of the best-preserved examples of a turn-of-the-century textile mill village in North Carolina and the county’s first historic district — are unfortunately in ruins, including the company store, the mill, and a few houses and other structures built between 1882 and the 1920s. While it was significant enough to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, the buildings are not safe to enter. Driving through this small town is the safest way to explore these ruins on N.C Route 22 and N.C. 902/State Route 1005.

The Enterprise Manufacturing Company mill village was the southernmost cotton mill on the Deep River in Randolph County.
Indy beetle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
In 1900, the N.C. Geological Survey reported the company owned 4,000 spindles and used about 150 horsepower. By 1959 it grew to 6,000 spindles employing 150 people.
The plant was a manufacturer of cotton or knitting yarn and twine.
Donald Lee Pardue/Flickr
Imagine the beauty of the Tudor Revival-style entrance towers back in the day.
The Company Store built about 1910 was also used for storage.
Indy beetle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The East Wing contained the Coleridge Post Office for more than 65 years.
The original storefront consists of a cast-iron lintel supported by two cast-iron, fluted Corinthian columns.
Cecouchman, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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We love the juxtaposition of the modern advertising on the rotting building.
Donald Lee Pardue/Flickr
The headrace of the mill and its source of power was replaced by steam power in the 1920s.
Donald Lee Pardue/Flickr
Some of the other buildings include the 1920s mill office, the Bank of Coleridge, and a brick warehouse.
W “NorCal”/Google
Here is the old bank.
This layout of the village was drawn in the 1970s.
National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: North Carolina
Some of the structures may be gone.

 

This thoughtful video created 11 years ago showcases some old photos and we can see how much the village has decayed since then.

Wouldn’t it be great if someone purchased and renovated the vintage buildings at this abandoned historic site in North Carolina?

While you’re there, drive the seven miles to Ramseur and grab a taste of any season at Millstone Creek Orchards. Call 336-879-3673 to see some of the village’s memories at the Ramseur Community Museum. Also, stay overnight at a comfortable Vrbo. 

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Coleridge, NC 27316, USA