Small hand-operated tanyards dominated the Delaware leather industry until 1850. In the next decade it began to transform, though the adoption of European inventions, into a mechanized industry centered in northern Delaware. Although the state was not a primary leather producing center, the industry was big business in Delaware. Three types of leather manufacture became important in Delaware between 1850 and 1860. Proximity to the port of Philadelphia meant that local tanners had access to the necessary supply of imported goat skins to produce morocco leather. Furthermore, belting came into general use about 1840 for power transmission and was soon produced by local leather goods manufacturers. Finally, patent or enameled leather, coated with layers of baked varnish was in demand. Unlike their New England counterparts, boot and shoe makers failed to use mechanization before 1864. Some made boots for the government during the Civil War. Throughout the war, the making of morocco leather was the most important nonmilitary activity of the Delaware leather trade. Machinery for its manufacture was locally produced by 1870.