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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage CorridorSlater Mill Historic Site, Pawtucket, RI
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Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution

The Blackstone River runs from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI. Its waters powered the Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI, America's first successful textile mill. This creative spark began the nation's transformation from Farm to Factory. Today, the Blackstone River Valley is a special type of National Park - a living landscape containing thousands of natural, cultural and historic treasures.
 
Logo of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

What's a Heritage Corridor?

The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a non-traditional National Park. For example, the Heritage Corridor does not own or manage any of the land within its boundaries. To find out more about what the Heritage Corridor is, and how it works, please click here.
 
Historic image of streetcar from Woonsocket, RI

Seeing the Sites

There are hundreds of sites to see in the Blackstone River Valley - historical, natural and cultural. For some ideas, please visit:

Schedule of Events

Valley Sites

Plan Your Visit

Things to Do

 
Woonsocket Depot

Ranger Days Talks

The Corridor Commission and the The Museum of Work and Culture are pleased to announce that the Ranger Days Talks lecture series begin on Sunday, February, 2009. The Ranger Days talks are held on Sundays, beginning at 1:30pm in the Museum’s Union Hall at 42 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI. Admission to these Talks is free.

For more about these talks, please click here.

 
2008 Annual Report Cover

2008 Annual Report

The 2008 John H Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission Annual Report is now available. To download a copy, click here.

 

 

Write to

John H Chafee Blackstone River Valley NHC
One Depot Square
Woonsocket, RI 02895

E-mail Us

Phone

Corridor Commission Office
(401) 762-0250

Fax

(401) 762-0530

Climate

New England weather is subject to rapid change. Temperature during the summer is 80-90s, winter 20-40s and spring/fall 50-70s. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoor activities, based on the season.
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Hand colored drawing of barge on Blackstone Canal in Millbury  

Did You Know?
The top speed on the Blackstone Canal was 3 mph? The canal barges, pulled by a team of two horses, usually took two days to make the 44 mile journey from Providence, RI to Worcester, MA.

Last Updated: March 19, 2009 at 12:33 EST