Abstract:
In May 1893, the first group of Waldenses immigrated to the United States from the Cottian Alps and settled in what is now the city of Valdese. In 1901, the Waldensian Hosiery Mills began operations. This was the beginning of Alba-Waldensian, Inc., a diversified manufacturer of knitted products. Today the company employs 1,400 people in eight plants, seven in Valdese and one in Lenoir.