Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

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 and historic treasures.

		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:

2009 Walkabouts

The NPS Rangers of the Corridor Commission will be offering their summer Walkabout series. Join the Rangers to discover some of the wonderful sites of the Blackstone River Valley

For more about these programs, please click here.

Industrial History of the Blackstone Valley

The Corridor Commission and the Worcester Historical Museum are celebrating the release of a new book on the Blackstone River Valley at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 7. Dignitaries and several of the book's co-authors will attend the event, being held at Alternatives Unlimited at 50 Douglas Road in Whitinsville, MA.

For more about the book, including ordering information, please click here.

To see some new DeTour driving guides to the Blackstone Valley inspired by the book, click on the links below.

Blackstone Valley Canal Tour

Landscape of Industry Tour

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.