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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage CorridorSlater Mill Historic Site, Pawtucket, RI
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Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution

The Blackstone River runs from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI. Its waters powered the Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI, America's first successful textile mill. This creative spark began the nation's transformation from Farm to Factory. Today, the Blackstone River Valley is a special type of National Park - a living landscape containing thousands of natural and historic treasures.
 
Logo of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

2009 Call For Proposals

The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission is pleased to announce that it will be accepting applications for funding under its Heritage Partnership Program. 

An informational meeting on this program will be held on October 27, from 5pm to 7pm at the Corridor Commission Office, One Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI

To learn more about this program, and to download an application form, please click here.

 
Historic image of streetcar from Woonsocket, RI

Seeing the Sites

There are hundreds of sites to see in the Blackstone River Valley - historical, natural and cultural. For some ideas, please visit:

Schedule of Events

Valley Sites

Plan Your Visit

Things to Do

 
Footsteps logo

Footsteps in History

Welcome to the Footsteps in History fifth anniversary program! October is a special time in the Blackstone River Valley. From leaf peeping to discovering unique historic sites to kayaking the Blackstone River of visiting a farm stand, there is so much to do for everyone! Our sites, parks and stores have been working overtime to get ready for your visit.

For a complete listing of events or to print a fall Events Guide visit:
www.footstepsinhistory.com

 
Landscape of Industry Cover

Industrial History of the Blackstone Valley

The Corridor Commission and the Worcester Historical Museum are celebrating the release of a new book on the Blackstone River Valley at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 7. Dignitaries and several of the book's co-authors will attend the event, being held at Alternatives Unlimited at 50 Douglas Road in Whitinsville, MA.

For more about the book, including ordering information, please click here.

To see some new DeTour driving guides to the Blackstone Valley inspired by the book, click on the links below.

Blackstone Valley Canal Tour

Landscape of Industry Tour

 

Write to

John H Chafee Blackstone River Valley NHC
One Depot Square
Woonsocket, RI 02895

E-mail Us

Phone

Corridor Commission Office
(401) 762-0250

Fax

(401) 762-0530

Climate

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.
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Hand colored drawing of barge on Blackstone Canal in Millbury  

Did You Know?
The top speed on the Blackstone Canal was 3 mph? The canal barges, pulled by a team of two horses, usually took two days to make the 44 mile journey from Providence, RI to Worcester, MA.

Last Updated: October 05, 2009 at 14:53 EST