Which statement best describes a feature of the textile mills during the first industrial revolution? a. they were located near the sources of cotton b. they were dependent upon rivers for power c. they were operated by highly skilled craftsmen d. they were prohibited by law for hiring women.

The answer is b) They were dependent upon rivers for power


During the Industrial Revolution, Cotton was still imported from all over the British Empire to be processed for textiles. 

Also, these factories wanted to hire all the help they could, so hire, men and women of all ages used to work in these factories.

Also, the factories only needed a handful of engineers to maintain the machines while rest of the work was repetitive and could be maintained by low-skilled workers.

However, almost all early cotton mills were located never water sources and rivers to power them with waterwheels.