This cotton press, built in 1798 according to tradition, is thought by many to be the oldest in existence. It was first owned and used by John Bethea, III, and later by Henry Berry. Powered by oxen or mules rotating the beam to tighten the press, it was rendered obsolete by modern machinery. A Berry descendant moved it to its current site about 1948 to preserve it.
(Source: Historic Marker)

Photo contributed by Sheila Berry, March 2002.