In 1884 Julian Carr built Durham Cotton Manufacturing in East Durham along the railroad tracks. The success of that company acted as a magnet in the neighborhood, and within the next 20 years factories saturated the neighborhood, surrounded by the mill worker's homes. As the neighborhood became more populated (it is in fact the most densely populated neighborhood in Durham), more commercial businesses opened up to serve the residents, from banks and grocery stores to pharmacies and restaurants. Even after many of the mills had closed, some businesses held strong through the 1960s and 1970s. After some struggles, new businesses are returning to the neighborhood. While many buildings featured here no longer exist, others remain standing and hold great potential for commercial opportunities in the future.