Blackstone River Valley
National Heritage Corridor

Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution
The Blackstone River Valley illustrates a major revolution in America's past: the Age of Industry. Evidence of the way people lived during this turning point in history can still be seen in the valley's villages, farms, cities and riverways - in a working landscape between Worcester, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. In 1790, American craftsmen built the first machines that successfully used waterpower to spin cotton. America's first factory, Slater Mill was built on the banks of the Blackstone River in Pawtucket, RI. Here, industrial America was born. This revolutionary way of using waterpower and labor spread quickly throughout the valley and New England. It changed nearly everything.

Two hundred years later, the story of the American Industrial Revolution can still be seen and told in the Blackstone River Valley. Thousands of structures and whole landscapes show the radical changes in the way people lived and worked. The way people lived before the advent of industry also can be seen on the land, and opportunities for the future are visible as well. For good or bad, each generation makes choices that change the character of life in the valley. Today, the rural to city landscapes chronicle this ongoing revolution in American history. Native Americans, European colonizers, farmers, craftsmen, industrialists, and continuing waves of immigrants all left the imprint of their work and culture on the land. The farms, hilltop market centers, mill villages, cities, dams, canals, roads, and railroads are physical evidence of tremendous social and economic power. These features show how the force of technology & invention, labor & management, commerce & government, as well as pollution & recovery affect us today.

Click here to take a virtual tour of the Blackstone River Valley

TYPE/PURPOSE:

The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a special type of national park. It is a region of nearly 400,000 acres located within Worcester County in central Massachusetts and Providence County in northern Rhode Island. The National Corridor was designated by an Act of Congress on November 10, 1986 to preserve and interpret for present and future generations the unique and significant value of the Blackstone Valley. It includes cities, towns, villages and almost one million people. The Federal government does not own or manage any of the land or resources in the corridor as it does in the more traditional national parks. Instead the National Park Service, two state governments, dozens of local municipalities, businesses, nonprofit historical & environmental organizations, educational institutions, many private citizens, and a unifying commission work together in partnerships to protect the Valley's special identity and prepare for its future.

VISITATION:

Highest during spring and fall. Lowest during January and February.

LOCATION:

The 50 mile linear corridor is located between the second and third largest cities in New England - Worcester and Providence. There are 24 towns and cities within the 2 state area which include Worcester, Leicester, Millbury, Sutton, Douglas, Uxbridge, Northbridge, Millville, Blackstone, Mendon, Hopedale, Upton and Grafton in Massachusetts as well as Woonsocket, Cumberland, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester, Smithfield, Central Falls, Pawtucket plus portions of Providence and East Providence in Rhode Island.

ADDRESS:

Blackstone River Valley NHC
One Depot Square
Woonsocket, RI 02895-9501

TELEPHONE:

(401) 762-0250, Information Line (401) 762-0440, FAX (401) 762-0530

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

The Corridor Office operates year-round, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Visitor Contact Centers are usually open daily between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. The area is a living and working environment with activities around the clock. The publicly accessible natural resources are usually restricted to daytime usage. Many historical landmarks are open on a limited basis and some by appointment only.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

New England weather is subject to rapid change. Temperature during the summer is 80-90s, winter 20-40s and spring/fall 50-70s. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoor activities, based on the season.

DIRECTIONS:

Route 146 is the main highway running north and south between Providence and Worcester having major intersections with I-95 and I-295 in Rhode Island. Exit 11 on I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) will give access to Route 122 and Visitor Information Centers in Worcester and Uxbridge. The Valley is bordered on the east by I-495 and on the west by I-395. Directional signage will point the way to visitor information centers. Visitors traveling north-south on I-95 may take exit 27 or 28 in Rhode Island for the Pawtucket Visitor Center and Slater Mill Historic Site.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Corridor: In addition to major highways, both Providence and Worcester areas have access to airports, bus terminals, and Amtrak stations.
Within the Corridor: personal vehicles are required.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

No admission fees to the corridor or to most of its regular programs. Some of the private non-profit historical and environment sites of interest do charge admission or accept donations for special events and programs.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Centers/Exhibits:

There are four regional welcome centers with public rest rooms and visitor information:

In Worcester, Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, is operated by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. (508) 753-6087

In Uxbridge, the River Bend Farm Visitor Center is located at 287 Oak Street within the Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park. It is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management. Phone (508) 278-7604.

In Woonsocket, the Museum of Work and Culture, 42 South Main Street, traces the story of mill workers who came to the Blackstone Valley from Quebec to work in the textile mills, and the origins of the labor movement in the Blackstone Valley. The Museum is open 7 days a week and offers full visitor services. (401)769-9675

In Pawtucket, the Visitor Center is located at 171 Main Street and is operated by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. (401) 724-2200. Expansion of exhibit area is expected in the near future.

Trails, Roads:

Several state and local roads dissect the corridor and provide easy access to its many resources. Route 122 runs north to south, alongside remnants of the historic Blackstone Canal and through many riverside mill villages. There are state parks along the river and canal in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island that offer wonderful trails for walking, hiking, biking and canoeing. A 45 mile bikeway between Worcester and Providence is in development. Other state parks include the Douglas State Forest, Purgatory Chasm State Reservation and Upton State Forest in Massachusetts; Lincoln Woods State Park, George Washington State Management Area and Pulaski Memorial State Park in Rhode Island. There are a series of walking tour and driving tour brochures produced by the National Heritage Corridor available at the Visitor Information Centers.

Programs/Activities:

A variety of ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year in each of the communities. A strong Volunteer-in-Parks program allows for expansive interpretive activities. Group and special tour arrangements may be made in advance by contacting the Corridor Headquarters at (401) 762-0250.

Lodging and camping facilities:

In addition to the many facilities offering lodging in the Worcester and Providence metropolitan areas, the Valley offers a full range of privately owned motels, country inns, bed & breakfasts, campgrounds and recreational trailer parks. A brochure on accommodations may be received from the Corridor Office, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the Blackstone Valley Visitors' Bureau or one of the visitor centers.

Food/supplies:

A full range of restaurants, groceries, general merchandise and specialty stores are found throughout the Heritage Corridor. Major commercial services are found in the Providence and Worcester metropolitan areas, as well as Pawtucket and Woonsocket, RI, and Northbridge, MA

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

The information centers, points of interest and visitor services within the Heritage Corridor are managed and staffed by Corridor partners and not by the National Park Service. Within the boundaries of the Heritage Corridor, the NPS does manage Roger Williams National Memorial, a 4.5 acre park in downtown Providence where it operates a visitor center, gift shop and exhibit area. Located at 282 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903. (401) 521-7266.

Accessibility:

All visitor centers are fully accessible. Other points of interest should be consulted if there are access questions.

Special Needs:

The visitor information centers generally have bus and visitor parking areas, rest rooms, and water fountains. Many other points of interest are unstaffed and have minimal facilities.
Hospitals and emergency room services are located in the Providence and Worcester metropolitan areas, as well as Milford & Whitinsville, MA and Pawtucket & Woonsocket, RI.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Sight-seeing at the historical sites; nature walks along the trails; hiking; biking; picnicking; canoeing; bird watching; golfing; fishing; winter sports and summer concerts are just a few of the many activities available.

Attractions in Rhode Island, that might be of interest:

Waterplace Park, Memorial Boulevard, Providence, RI, offers a stroll along the Woonasquatucket River to its confluence with the Moshassuck River (the former terminus of the Blackstone Canal), where the two merge to form the Providence River. There are many interesting and informative wayside signs to guide you through the area's history. The Providence Banner Trial highlights noted non-profit cultural, historical and architectural sites within a mile radius of Waterplace. Maps and brochures are available at the welcome center (1-800-233-1636) and at the Roger Williams National Memorial.

Slater Mill Historic Site, Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI, includes the Old Slater Mill (1793), the first factory in America to successfully produce cotton yarn with water-powered machines. In addition, the rubblestone Wilkinson Mill (1810) has an operating 19th century machine shop powered by a 16,000 pound water wheel. At this National Historic Landmark, a variety of special programs and gallery exhibits supplement the regular museum offerings. There is a charge for admission. (401) 725-8638

Also in Pawtucket, the Heritage Corridor Visitor Center is expected to be fully open with interpretive exhibits and video in the near future; the Bridge Mill Power Station & Museum has an operating exhibit and graphic display of "Three Centuries of Water Power on the Blackstone River"; the Blackstone Valley Explorer operates seasonal riverboat tours of the harbor to the Pawtucket Falls; and McCoy Stadium is home to the AAA Baseball Team of the Boston Red Sox.

The Valley Falls Heritage Park, Broad and Mill Streets, Cumberland, RI, is an unstaffed community open space along the Blackstone River with walking trails set within the industrial ruins of a former mill. The interpretive signage tells the story of how a mill, a factory, an industry can change the character of a village and the surrounding landscape. Nearby can be seen the century old Town House which still serves as the local municipal center; the Blackstone Valley Explorer offers springtime riverboat tours within the Valley Falls Marsh and Wilderness Areas; the Central Falls Historic Mill District is also close by.

William Blackstone Memorial Park, Broad and Blackstone Street, Cumberland, RI, is an unstaffed monument to the first European settler to the valley that now shares his name. In the surrounding neighborhood, the Lonsdale Historic District offers a view of a planned mill village with interesting mill housing; shopping at Ann & Hope - a mill converted in the 1950's into the nations first factory retail outlet; musical and cultural entertainment at the Blackstone River Theatre.

Great Road Historic District, Lincoln, RI, offers an interesting drive along the road with the longest history in the region. Points of interest include the Eleazer Arnold House (a stone-ender built c. 1685), the Moffitt Mill, Chase Farm, Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, Butterfly Farm, Hearthside Mansion, Friends Meeting House. On the second Sunday each month from April to October, many of these buildings are open to the public. (401) 333-1100.

Blackstone River State Park, Lower River Road, Lincoln, RI, contains about 4 miles of towpath trail along the old Blackstone Canal, with good canoe access. The Kelly House, a canal-period building, has been restored and is expected in the near future to serve as a visitor information center and exhibit area along the Blackstone Bikeway.

The Museum of Work and Culture, South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI. Through permanent and temporary exhibits the Museum details the labor history and ethnic diversity of Woonsocket. The story of the Blackstone Valley is the story of America told through personal accounts and artifacts. Contact the Museum at 401-769 WORK. Within easy walking distance, one will find the Woonsocket Falls & Thundermist Hydro Plant, River Island Park with canoe access, a variety of restaurants, antique shopping along Main Street, the Heritage Corridor headquarters, the Stadium Theatre (c1920) and the Blackstone Valley Explorer riverboat (in the fall). The largest festival, Autumnfest takes place on Columbus Day weekend each October.

The Blackstone Valley Explorer, a 49 passenger riverboat, offers 45 minute tours with historical and ecological narrative. For the various tour locations, boat schedule and pricing, contact the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council at (401) 724-2200.

Attractions in Massachusetts, that might be of interest:

Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm Street, Worcester, MA, offers the opportunity to explore the city through its permanent and changing exhibits and collections, including a fine exhibit on the Industrialization of Worcester. (508) 753-8278. There are many other museums, parks and amusements in the Worcester area.

Willard House and Clock Museum, 11 Willard Street, Grafton, MA, the birthplace and original workshop of the Willard family of clockmakers, has guided tours conducted year-round. Admission is charged; reservations requested for groups 8 or larger; museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Nearby Grafton Center offers a beautiful look at a New England hill top village with town common surrounded by library, multiple churches and commercial blocks. (508) 839-3500

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Purgatory Road, Sutton, MA, offers picnicking, playgrounds, a network of nature trails and interesting geological resources. A new visitor center is the site of natural history displays and ranger-led programs during the summer. (508) 234-3733

Jenckes Store, Main Street, Douglas, MA, offers a unique glimpse into the past. The country store is stocked and maintained as it might have been a century ago. It is open on weekends in the warmer weather and staffed with volunteers and members of the Douglas Historical Society. (508) 476-7745

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Oak Street and Hartford Ave, Uxbridge, MA, contains over 1,000 acres of protected space along the river and 4 miles of towpath and historic remnants of the Blackstone Canal. Great area for hiking, biking, canoeing and picnicking. The River Bend Farm Visitor Center has exhibit space and ranger-led interpretive programs from April through October. Special events include CanalFest, the first Saturday in June, a summer series of Concerts at the Canal, Heritage Homecoming in the fall and a Civil War encampment on Columbus Day weekend. This facility is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management. (508) 278-7604

West Hill Dam and Recreation Park, Hartford Avenue, Uxbridge, MA, is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A recreation area with swimming in the West River is open during summer hours. Nature trails and a 6 mile Woodland trail open to hiking and biking. Ranger-led programs are also offered. (508) 278-2511

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for ranger-led programs for school groups or other educational groups should be made at least one month prior to the visit. For additional information concerning reservations or permits, call (401) 762-0440.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

A stay from two to five hours will allow for a boat ride, house tour or walk in one of the parks. A day trip will allow for more exploring and multiple days would be required to see most of what the Valley has to offer in its historical museums and at its natural resources.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

A seasonal calendar of events is produced every three months containing a wide variety of activities scheduled throughout the Heritage Corridor. The Ranger Staff and Volunteers-in-Parks are involved with many of the riverfront and heritage festivals. Special event programming takes place during many of the National and Statewide recognition dates, such as Earth Day, National Parks Day, and National Constitution Week.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Much of the land in the Heritage Corridor is in private ownership. We ask that you respect the rights and property of others. If in doubt about ownership or rules and regulations, ask for information at one of the Corridor's visitor centers, or at the Heritage Corridor Commission office.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Both Providence and Worcester are visitor destinations in their own right. Contact the: Providence & Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (1-800-233-1636);
Worcester County Convention and Visitor Bureau (1-508-753-2920).

In addition to seeing the Farm to Factory theme throughout the Blackstone Valley landscape, one might choose to also visit Old Sturbridge Village (a recreated 1830's farming community) and the Lowell National Historical Park (with working factory demonstrations). Each of these sites are within an hours drive from the Corridor.

For more information about the surrounding areas of Southern New England, contact:
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, Boston, MA
(1-617-727-3201, 1-800-447-MASS);
Rhode Island Tourism Division, Providence, RI
(1-401-277-2601, 1-800-556-2484).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write, call or email the Corridor Headquarters:
Blackstone River Valley NHC, One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 762-0250.

E-mail your comments or questions to the Corridor Staff at BLAC_INTERPRETATION@NPS.GOV

For more information about the locale, you may want to contact the following offices:
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, 171 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
E-mail to BVTC;
Blackstone Valley Visitors' Bureau, PO Box 502, Whitinsville, Massachusetts 01588
(1-508-234-9090, 1-800-841-0919) E-mail to BVVB.

This page was constructed by Volunteers-In-Parks, Val Stegemoen, updated by Liz McConnell.

RETURN TO TOP OF THIS PAGE

Last Updated: April 1999
http://www.nps.gov/blac/index.htm