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.

BV 101

Blackstone Valley 101 is a free, interactive on-line learning program that gives an overview of the history and heritage of the valley, while explaining why this area is nationally significant.

Whether you are a long term resident of the valley or new to the area, you will find Blackstone Valley 101 interesting and informative.

To learn more about the program, or to begin taking it, 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:

Special Resource Study

The National Park Service is undertaking a Special Resource Study in the Blackstone River Valley that will help determine if the area will become part of the National Park System.

Click here to learn more about the preliminary findings of the Special Resource Study, and download the latest newsletter.

The National Park Service has asked for written comments on the options presented in the newsletter by July 30, 2010.

2010 Ranger Walkabouts

The schedule for the 2010 Thursday Night Walkabout Series is now out. Each Thursday evening from now through August, Corridor Commission's NPS Rangers and other partners will be leading free programs at sites across the Valley. To see the schedule and more information, 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.