Understanding Company Towns
What exactly defines a company town?
A company town is a settlement where practically all stores and housing are owned by the one company that is also the main employer. The company provides infrastructure, amenities, and regulates civic life.
Do company towns still exist today?
Traditional company towns where workers rent housing directly from their employer are very rare today due to labor laws and anti-monopoly regulations. However, some remote mining or oil operations still run "man camps." Additionally, modern tech mega-campuses echo the spirit by providing comprehensive lifestyle amenities within a closed corporate campus.
What was "Company Scrip"?
Scrip was a form of credit or currency issued by a company to its employees instead of government-issued cash. It was only valid at the company-owned store, which often charged inflated prices, keeping workers in a state of debt.
Why did the classic company town decline?
Several factors led to their decline: the rise of the personal automobile allowed workers to commute from further away; unionization and labor strikes (like the Pullman Strike) fought against corporate paternalism; and governments passed laws requiring payment in legal tender and separating civic administration from corporate ownership.
Can you visit these historical towns?
Yes, many have been preserved. Places like Saltaire (UK) and New Lanark (UK) are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Pullman, Chicago is a National Monument. Ghost towns like Bodie, California offer a look at abandoned mining settlements.