During the construction of the railway, Colonel Fries took a liking for the area of the
mayo River Valley we now know as Mayodan. In 1892 he and 2 partners, William C.
Ruffin and Washington Duke, decided to build a cotton mill between the Mayo River and the newly
laid railway. The mill was named "Mayo Mills" after the Mayo river. A small community developed
around the new mill. The new community was named "Mayodan" because it was located at the place where the Mayo River
and the Dan River came together. Mayodan is the only town in the world with this name.
Production of undyed cotton yarn began at the new mill in 1896. Mayo Mills sold their product
in New York and Pennsylvania. Due to great demand, Mayo Mills was unable to produce the quantity of yarn needed to supply
its customers. Before long, Mayo Mills was looking at expansion.
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