The distinction between Virginia cloth and that of imported cloth also
denoted the ongoing preference for English goods by many Americans,
generally thought of as better in quality than American manufactures.  In
1807, American manufactures were still behind England both in the quality
and quantity of goods produced, owing to the limitations on manufacturing
placed upon the American colonies in the 18th century, and were still
affecting the U.S. in 1807.  It was only in the early 1820s that domestic
textile production began to rival that of England, and then only in the
northern and mid-Atlantic states.


Andy Means

Graduate Student
University of Maryland

>From: Jim Watkinson <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
>      <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: material culture
>Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2004 14:52:29 -0500
>
>This is probably a question for the folks at Colonial Williamsburg, but
>I ran across a bill today from Orange County, VA ca. 1807, which listed
>among the purchases "7 yds Virginia Cloth."  What is/was it, and why
>distinguish it from other cloths in the bill?
>
>
>
>Thanks in advance for any help one might give.
>
>
>
>James D. Watkinson, Ph.D.
>
>Archives
>
>Library of Virginia
>
>[log in to unmask]
>
>804.692.3804
>
>
>
>
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