Another improvement encouraged by the State was the use of more
efficient machinery for the preparation of iron from ore, the conversion
of cotton or wool into thread, or paper. An Act of December 15, 1863,
provided that any person or corporation installing improved equipment by
March 1, 1865, would be granted 320 acres of land for each $1000 worth
of machinery.
Shortages arising out of the Civil War undoubtedly compelled this
legislation. Southern States had been cut off from northern and European
manufactures and took this, among other, means of encouraging
Southerners to establish their own industry.
One of the few companies that took advantage of this legislation was the
Waco Manufacturing Company, which received 58 certificates for 320 acres
each on January 6, 1873, and which later claimed and received the land
to which they were entitled.