How were the Waltham and Lowell mills linked to the south?

The Waltham and Lowell mills, established in Massachusetts during the early 19th century, were linked to the South primarily through the cotton supply chain. They relied heavily on cotton produced in Southern plantations, which was transported to the North for processing into textiles. This economic relationship played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, as the demand for cotton fueled the expansion of slavery in the South. Additionally, the mills often employed young women, known as "mill girls," who contributed to the labor force that supported this burgeoning industry.