Stop 3: Slatersville Library and Western Mills

Western Mill Complex

Elements of this structure are part of what little remains of the once large Western Mill complex. In 1821, the Slaters constructed an additional eight buildings in town. The Western Mills complex, as it was known, doubled the company’s capacity. During the mid-to-late 1800s, the complex expanded to include additional buildings. In each one, workers completed some part of the textile production process. However, much of the Western Mill Complex was condemned and demolished in the early 20th century. Only two of the buildings remain today. The former storehouse, which you see in front of you, became part of the North Smithfield Public Library in 1966. Some traces of the past are still with us, such as the rubble-stone construction you see here. This offers a window into what this complex once looked like.

 

Photograph of Western Mill Complex after most of the structures were torn down in the late 19th century.

 

Stop 4: Slatersville Mill
Stop 5: Slatersville Church and Common
Stop 6: Slatersville Worker Housing
Stop 7: John Slater House
Introduction
Stop 1: Slatersville Reservoir
Stop 2: Slatersville Commercial Block