Place

Old Slater Mill

View across blue water to large yellow building and large stone building peaking out behind a tree.
Wilkinson Mill and 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

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.

Winter Schedule (December 3, 2023 - April 18, 2024)

During the winter months, the grounds of Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark District are open to the public from dawn to dusk. The Park Visitor Contact Station, located inside of Old Slater Mill, is closed for the winter season. Guided tours are not offered during this time of the year. If you are a school group looking to book a field trip or a large group looking to make reservations, please see our Education Page for more information.

The Park stamps are available across Roosevelt Avenue in the Tourism Council Visitor Center during this time. Click here to see their hours of operation.

Spring I Schedule (April 19, 2024 - May 4, 2024)

Visitor Information Station: Open Fridays and Saturdays, 12:00 P.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 Tours12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M. (Fridays and Saturdays)
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.

Spring II Schedule (May 9, 2024 - June 5, 2024)

Visitor Information Station: Open Thursday, 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M., Fridays - 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: 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M. (Thursdays); 10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M. (Fridays - 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.

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.



Please Note: 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.

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.


 

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Last updated: February 28, 2024