Woonsocket, Industrial city in Providence County, Rhode Island
Woonsocket is a settlement along the Blackstone River in northern Rhode Island, covering roughly 21 square kilometers (8 square miles) close to the Massachusetts line. The town includes several neighborhoods near the water and holds rows of brick buildings from the textile era.
A sawmill appeared here in the 17th century and drew power from the river to cut timber. Over time the site became a hub for textile making during the 19th century, bringing mills and worker housing along the waterway.
Families from Quebec left a lasting mark on daily life through their work in the riverside mills and their community traditions. Many street names and older buildings still recall the generations who came south looking for factory work.
Bus routes connect the residential areas and help with moving around town. The river provides a natural guide when exploring different parts of the settlement.
The Museum of Work and Culture holds displays about union movements and the daily routines of mill workers along the Blackstone River. Visitors learn how the textile trade shaped life by the water over several decades.
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