Silk Culture at Ebenezer State Historical Marker

Silk Culture at Ebenezer State Historical Marker, Effingham County

(located at the junction of Ga. Hwys. 21 and 275)

(Text)

SILK CULTURE AT EBENEZER

Silk culture began at Ebenezer in 1736,

when each Salzburger was presented with a

mulberry tree and two were instructed in

the art of reeling. Two machines were soon

in operation in Mr. Bolzius' yard near the

church, and in 1749, 762 lbs. of cocoons,

yielding 50 lbs. 13 oz. spun silk, were produced.

Though silk culture in Georgia declined in

the 1760s, the Salzburgers persevered, and

in 1772 shipped 485 lbs. raw silk. They made

their own reels, and one was sent to England

for a model. During the Revolution, silk

production at Ebenezer was interrupted and

was never resumed.

051-6 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1957

Photo: Ed Jackson

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