Lowell System

The Lowell System was an innovative approach to textile manufacturing in the early 19th century, particularly in Lowell, Massachusetts. It combined mechanized mills with a labor force primarily made up of young women, often referred to as "Mill Girls." These women lived in company-owned boarding houses and enjoyed relatively good wages, education, and independence compared to traditional roles of the time. The system emphasized an integrated production process, where raw materials were transformed into finished products under one roof, significantly boosting efficiency and output in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.