From 1865 to 1975, Charleston faced the struggles of industrialization. While other cities rapidly modernized, Charleston’s economy grew slowly, held back by war recovery, limited infrastructure, and a reliance on agriculture. Yet the people of Charleston proved resilient. One symbol of that strength was the Cigar Factory, which became one of the city’s largest employers. It offered steady work to Black and white Charlestonians alike and later became a powerful site of civil rights activism. Despite economic hardships and industrial setbacks, Charleston’s community found ways to endure and push forward—holding tight to their heritage while steadily working toward progress.