People

Lowell and the American Industrial Revolution would not exist if not for the consistent efforts of capitalists, mill workers, activists and other influential figures. Explore some of their stories below!

The Mill Girls

The first labor force in Lowell's mills
The Boardinghouse Keeper

The woman who took care of and watched the workers during their time off
Lucy Larcom

Once a mill girl, she would go on to become a respected author writing about her experiences in Lowell
Sarah Bagley

A mill girl, labor activist, author and leader
Women's History in Lowell

If you are interested in learning more about the women workers and activists of Lowell, we have a number of resources gathered together
Kirk Boott

One of the men instrumental in designing Lowell and its power systems, this controversial figure made Lowell look the way it does today
James B. Francis

An engineer essential in running and expanding Lowell's water power prowess
Nathan Appleton

One of Lowell's first investors whose experience ranged from politics to economics
Patrick Tracy Jackson

An influential figure in local politics and economics, Jackson greatly impacted how Lowell's early development played out
Abbott Lawrence

Investing in Lowell, he would go on to try his hand in politics and become a founder of Lawrence's textile industry
Jack Kerouac

A respected author from the Beat Generation who grew up in Lowell