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| [ images by Jim McElholm-Single Source Inc. ] | ||
Woonsocket has been a city at work since the Arnold family built a gristmill at the falls here in the 1660s. For over a century, the voice of the city was French courtesy of the immigrants from Quebec who came here to work in the many mills. Though French is heard less on the streets of Woonsocket today, the pride of the Quebecois and other immigrants to the city can still be seen in the many festivals and events hosted here.
Museum
of Work and Culture
Blackstone Valley Explorer
Woonsocket
Falls/ Market Square
Woonsocket Depot
River Island Park
Cold Spring Park
Woonsocket City Hall
Stadium Theater
Museum
of Work and Culture
See the face of people who left their lives as farmers in Quebec to be
mill workers in Woonsocket. The museum exhibit traces their lives from
the Quebec farm, through the mill floor, triple-decker house and union
hall and tells the story of “La Survivance” their attempt
to preserve their language and way of life. Mon-Fri 9:30 – 4, Sat
10-5 Sun 1-5.
42 South Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 769-9675
www.rihs.org
Blackstone
Valley Explorer
What better way to discover the Blackstone River than by boat? Set sail
aboard the Blackstone Valley EXPLORER. Tours Aug-Oct, weekends 1-4.
River Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 724-2200.
www.tourblackstone.com
Woonsocket Falls/ Market Square
The focus of Woonsocket for over 300 years has been the Woonsocket Falls,
the largest natural drop on the Blackstone River. Originally harnessed
in the mid-1600s to run a gristmill, it became the source of power for
dozens of textile mills aligned along Market Square and Main Street. Even
today, a small hydroelectric plant here is run by the power of the Blackstone
River.
Intersection of Main Street and River Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
Woonsocket
Depot
Built in 1882 by the Providence and Worcester Railroad, the Depot is today
the headquarters of the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National
Heritage Corridor. Open Mon –Fri 8-5.
One Depot Square
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 762-0250
River
Island Park
This small park along the Blackstone River is the site of several events,
including the Riverfest Canoe race in May and the French Farmers’
Market in September. Canoe access point. Open from sunrise to sunset.
Bernon Street
Woonsocket, RI.
Cold
Spring Park
This recreation area is a canoe access point for the Blackstone River.
For generations, Woonsocket residents came here to draw their drinking
water.
Harris Avenue
Woonsocket, RI
Woonsocket
City Hall
Built in 1856 by Edward Harris, City Hall was originally used as a recreation
and lecture hall for the worker’s at the Harris Woolen Mills. In
1860, Abraham Lincoln spoke here during his presidential campaign.
169 Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 762-6400
http://www.ci.woonsocket.ri.us/index.htm
Stadium
Theater
This recently reopened 1926 movie and vaudeville theater has helped to
revitalize the arts scene in Woonsocket. The theater has undergone a painstaking
restoration to return it to the grandeur of its early days. Call for show
schedules and prices.
28 Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 762-4545
www.stadiumtheatre.com
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| [ image by R.Christopher Noonan, Preservation Services, Inc. ] |
One of the paradoxes of the Blackstone River Valley is highlighted in the Town of Blackstone. Just a few hundred yards from a busy road on one side and a massive brick mill on the other, is the Blackstone Gorge, one of the wildest segments of the Blackstone River. Pull off Main Street and explore some of the loveliest views in the Valley.
Daniels
Farm
Daniels Farm is one of the finest remaining farms in the Blackstone Valley.
This 112 acre farm dates back to the mid-1700s and remained active through
the mid-20th Century. The farm is now a preserved greenspace. Restricted
hours.
Mendon Street
Blackstone, RI 01504
Blackstone
Gorge
The Blackstone Gorge is one of the most spectacular segments of the river.
As the river drops down through a series of small rapids, the cliffs on
either side climb until they stand almost 100 feet above the water. A
great spot for hiking, picnicking or just enjoying nature. Park is open
from sunrise to sunset.
County Road
Blackstone, MA
(508) 278-7604
http://mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm
