What was a mill girl?

A mill girl was a female worker, typically young and unmarried, who worked in textile mills during the Industrial Revolution, particularly in the United States during the 19th century. They often lived in company-owned boarding houses and faced long hours, low wages, and harsh working conditions. Despite these challenges, mill girls played a significant role in labor movements and advocated for better rights and working conditions. Their experiences highlighted the intersection of gender, class, and industrial labor in that era.