Valley Sites - East Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls

John Hunt House

EAST PROVIDENCE

Only a portion of East Providence is within the Heritage Corridor. The two villages of Rumford and Phillipsdale made two very different products, Baking Powder and steel. The shoreline of the Blackstone River along East Providence, here named the Seekonk River, was home to an active shell fishing fleet.

John Hunt House
This restored 1770 house and adjacent mill is home to the East Providence Historical Society that shares the history of the city with the public.

266 Hunt’s Mill Road
East Providence, RI 02916
[phone]
www.ephist.org/

Omega Pond
Roger Williams briefly settled here with his small band of followers in 1636 until he was informed by Plymouth that he was still within their boundary and he needed to move across the river where he founded Providence.

Roger Williams Avenue
East Providence, RI

Newman Church and Common
Town commons are rare in Rhode Island, but East Providence still was part of Rumford, Massachusetts when it was settled in 1643. The current church, built in 1810, still serves as the focal point of this traditional New England town center. Corner of Newman Avenue and Pawtucket Avenue.

Newman Avenue and Pawtucket Avenue
East Providence, RI

 

Raceway at Slater Mill

PAWTUCKET

Pawtucket is the Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, site of Samuel Slater’s cotton spinning mill in 1790. But for one hundred years before, craftsmen had made tools and machines at forges powered by the Blackstone River, and even today, Pawtucket is still best known as a working city.

Pawtucket Visitors Center
The perfect place to begin your tour of the Blackstone Valley. View a 20- minute overview film of the valley’s rich history, and pick up brochures and maps to help guide you on your way to discover the rest of the Valley’s wonders. Open Mon.-Sat. 10-4, Sundays 1-4.

175 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
[phone], or 1-(800) 454-BVTC
www.tourblackstone.com

Slater Mill Historic Site
Slater Mill is the Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Here in 1790, Samuel Slater began operation of the first successful textile mill in America. Today, you can tour three buildings here, including the 1793 Slater Mill, the 1810 Wilkinson Mill and the 1758 Sylvanus Brown House. Discover what life in the United States was like before and after industrialization and see how the Blackstone River was harnessed as a power source. May-June, seven days a week 11 -3. July-September, seven days a week 10- 5.

67 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket, RI 02860
[phone]
www.slatermill.org

 

Historic image of Pawtucket Falls

Pawtucket Falls
The power of the Blackstone River has been harnessed here at Pawtucket for over three centuries.

Main Street
Pawtucket, RI

Slater Memorial Park
Besides serving as Pawtucket’s main recreation center, Slater Memorial Park is home to several of the city’s treasures including the Dagget House, built in 1685, which is filled with an eclectic collection of antiques, celebrating Pawtucket and U.S. History. Nearby is the historic 1894 Loof Carousel. Carousel open July 1 - Sept. 4 Sat. & Sun: 11 - 5, Mon., Wed. & Fri: 11 – 5; Tues./Thurs. 11 - 7. Call for Daggett House events.

Armistice Boulevard
Pawtucket, RI 02861
[phone]

Rhode Island Watercolor Society Art Gallery
The Rhode Island Watercolor Society is one of the oldest in the United States. Housed in the historic boathouse in Slater Park, the interior includes a permanent gallery with paintings, prints and drawings by well-known artists. HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday. 10 – 4, Sunday 1 - 5.

Armistice Boulevard
Pawtucket RI 02861
[phone]
www.riws.org/

 

Cogswell Tower

CENTRAL FALLS

Central Falls began as a small manufacturing site in the corner of the Town of Smithfield. Eventually it grew to become the most densely populated city in America in the early 20th Century, with 24,000 people packed into its one square mile. Today the City of Central Falls is still the vibrant home to workers from all over the world.

Blackstone Valley Explorer
What better way to discover the Blackstone River than by boat? From the Central Falls landing you can set sail by canoe, kayak or aboard the Blackstone Valley EXPLORER or spend a night on board the Samuel Slater. EXPLORER Tours June-August Sundays 1-4.

Maderia Avenue
Central Falls, RI 02863
[phone]
www.rivertourblackstone.com

Jenks Park/ Cogswell Tower
From the base of Cogswell Tower, built in 1904 on top of Dexter’s Ledge, you have a spectacular view not only of the City of Central Falls, but much of Northern Rhode Island. Park open dawn to dusk.

Broad Street
Central Falls, RI 02863
[phone].

Lysander & Susan Flagg Museum
Located at the site of the Sullivan Ballou Post #3, the museum features local history including maps, newspapers, photographs, paintings, and artifacts. Also displayed: Veterans Memorial Wall, Lorenzo DeNevers paintings, Gilbert R. Merrill Textile collection.

209 Central Street
Central Falls RI 02863
401-727-7440
www.cflibrary.org/flaggmuseum.