Last updated: September 15, 2024
Place
Old Slater Mill
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
67 Roosevelt Ave Pawtucket, RI 02860
Significance:
Birth place of the American Industrial Revolution
Designation:
National Historical Landmark
Amenities
15 listed
Accessible Rooms, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Kit Available, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Public Transit, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Family, Scenic View/Photo Spot
Visit Old Slater Mill, the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Originally constructed in 1793, this mill stands as an important reminder of the changes brought on by industrialization. It was here that Samuel Slater first successfully implemented Richard Arkwright's water-powered cotton spinning technology in America. Slater Mill is the beginning of everything from machine made goods and hourly wages, to planned communities and labor unions.
Summer/Fall Schedule (June 6, 2024 - December 14, 2024)
Visitor Information Station: Open Thursdays - Sundays, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Watch an 8-minute video, learn more about the Park, or earn your Junior Ranger badge. Park staff are available to answer questions. Bathrooms and drinking water are available.
The Visitor Contact Station is located inside of Old Slater Mill.
Guided Tours: 10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., and 2:30 P.M. (Thurdsays - Sundays)
Join a Ranger for a tour of Old Slater Mill. These 30 - 45 minute programs talk about the the legacy of the Industrial Revolution in America's first cotton-spinning mill. Tours leave from the patio in front of Old Slater Mill.
The mill is accessible but does have uneven floors. Special accommodations can be made by contacting 401-725-8638.
Winter Schedule (December 15 - April)
Visitor Information Station: Closed
Park Grounds: Open (Dawn - Dusk)
Please Note: Although the mill is regularly closed to the public during the winter months, special tour groups, field trips, and special programs can still be scheduled. Please see our education page to schedule a specialty trip or field trip or check out our park calendar for upcoming events.
For visitor saftey, tours of Old Slater Mill will be modified or cancelled if the heat index is above 87 degrees Fahrenheit. A shortened 10 minute Ranger talk will be offered at the normal tour times. Visitors will have a brief period of access to the main part of the mill. For the latest weather information, call 401-725-8638.
Please Note: The Wilkinson Mill and the Sylvanus Brown House are currently closed to the public until critical accessibility and safety work is completed. Due to this, group tours are required to be smaller than those offered in the past.
If you are looking to book a special group tour of Old Slater Mill or are a teacher or student check out our education page for more information.