Avalon, North Carolina

It was centered around a textiles mill constructed by Francis Henry Fries at the end of the 19th century.

Most of the population moved their homes to Mayodan, North Carolina and the area was left abandoned.

The south wall of the main building was made of wooden planks so it could be dismantled to allow for expansions and renovations.

[12] Just before 6 p.m. on June 15, 1911 a spinning mule box on the fourth floor of the mill overheated and caught fire.

[3][10] Wind passing through the open windows fanned the flames and increased the severity of the fire.

[10] The mill had a modern fire sprinkler system, but its water pumps failed and the entire complex burnt down[13] in a few hours.