The Roeliff Jansen Historical Society 

British trade laws sharply restricted textile manufacturing in the colonies, forcing Americans to rely heavily on imported cloth.

During the revolution, however, the homespun movement became both an economic necessity and a patriotic act. Large estates expanded their sheep flocks while local mills processed wool into fabric for civilian use and for the Continental Army. Although these early mills have disappeared, the region's textile tradition continues today through Nobletown FIberworks, which draws inspiration from the area's long history of spinning, carding, weaving, and wool production.