Born on December 25, 1776, John Slater was the younger brother of Samuel Slater. Like his brother, John attended school and then apprenticed in a mill. He also learned the latest technologies that the English Industrial Revolution had produced while working in Manchester and Oldham. John found a spot along the Branch River which he thought was perfect for this new mill. The river allowed for two mill ponds which would provide a constant flow of water all year long. The problem was there were only eight buildings, and the Slaters wanted several hundred workers to live there. They built a community which included houses for workers, stores, a farm, a church, and a school. This community was named Slatersville. It was the first planned industrial community in the country. People, Places and Stories
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Last updated: December 14, 2021