Alabama is filled with many small towns waiting to be discovered. One town in particular is Fort Payne, which is known for something quite amazing. To find out what, read on.
Fort Payne, which is located atop Lookout Mountain, is one of Alabama’s most charming small towns.
wikimedia commons/Chris Pruitt
Having produced one in eight pairs of socks, it was once known as the “Official Sock Capital of the World.”
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
In 1907, Florence Knitting Company opened for business. And in 1915, its name changed to W.B. Davis Hosiery Mill. This hosiery mill soon became the town’s largest employer.
flickr/Brent Moore
In addition to making socks for companies, the W.B. Davis Hosiery Mill also supplied socks to the military during WWII.
wikipedia/NARA FILE #: 208-YE-182 WAR & CONFLICT #: 751
The company was sold in 1948. Sadly, over the years, many hosiery mills have closed because companies are producing their socks overseas to make a larger profit.
wikimedia commons/Chris Pruitt
Besides socks, Fort Payne is also well known for beautiful scenery. Little River Canyon National Preserve is certainly the town’s most beautiful nature spot.
flickr/Brent Moore
Fort Payne also has some pretty amazing restaurants, including The Strand. This local cafe is a must-visit for anyone craving a delicious burger.
google/Johnny Chandler
Even though Fort Payne is no longer the “Official Sock Capital of the World,” it’s still the largest sock producer in the United States. That’s definitely something to be proud of!
wikimedia commons/Chris Pruitt
Did you already know the history of Fort Payne’s hosiery industry? If so, let us know in the comments.
wikimedia commons/Chris Pruitt
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
flickr/Brent Moore
wikipedia/NARA FILE #: 208-YE-182 WAR & CONFLICT #: 751
google/Johnny Chandler
For more information about Lookout Mountain, click here.
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