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

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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 and historic treasures.

New Park Legislation Introduced

On October 13, 2011 bills to establish the new John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park were introduced in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives. The new multi-site park would encompass land in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Click here to learn more about this new National Park legislation.

A New National Park in the Blackstone River Valley

On July 18, the National Park Service released a Special Resource Study to provide Congress and the public with information about the feasibility of creating a new National Park Unit within the Blackstone River Valley.

On our Special Resource Study page, you can download a copy of the report, get information about making comments on the report.

		Why a Park? Changes are ahead for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Watch A National Park in the Blackstone Valley, a brief video that presents why the National Park Service has determined that resources in the Blackstone River Valley are nationally significant and suitable for inclusion in the National Park System. more...

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.

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