In 2003 when Cannon Mills closed, 4340 workers lost their jobs. Many of these worker's families had been employed by Mr. James W. Cannon for generations. Today, Cannon Mills is experiencing an extreme makeover. As N.C.'s Preservation artist, "Cotton" wanted to preserve a piece of Kannapolis, N.C.'s heritage. Cannon Mills, Plant 1 James W. Cannon established Cannon Mills in 1887 in rural North Carolina. In 1906 the town of Kannapolis grew up around Cannon Mills in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties. The Mills grew to become the world's largest producer of household textile products such as towels, sheets, and bedspreads. James Cannon's son, Charles, enabled the employees to enjoy amenities of a town. Some employees lived in low rent homes provided by the mill. The inhabitants paid no taxes and enjoyed free maintenance, sewer, water, and garbage collection. A California businessman, David Murdock, bought Cannon Mills in 1982 and in 1985 merged with Fieldcrest Mills. In 1997, Pillowtex acquired Fieldcrest Cannon until its immediate and total liquidation in 2003. more »