Mill closures, shorter lives

This study finds that boys born in New England counties hit hard by the textile industry collapse in the 1920s–30s lived about 3.6 months less if they stayed in those areas. The impact was greatest among families with illiterate fathers, low socioeconomic status, or whose fathers worked in textiles. These early-life shocks also led to lower education and income in adulthood. The findings highlight long-term health costs of local economic downturns—especially for children in non-urban, low-mobility communities.