Fall River, Industrial port city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States.
Description
Fall River sits on the eastern shore of Mount Hope Bay, where the Taunton River meets the sea, and the hills rise above 200 feet (60 meters). Old red brick mill buildings line the riverfront, while wooden frame houses fill the streets on higher ground.
History
The settlement began in 1670 and grew into one of the largest textile centers in the country during the 19th century, powered by the Quequechan River. After the mills closed in the mid-20th century, the town shifted and drew immigrants from Portugal, who built new communities.
Culture
The Portuguese community shows up in bakeries and restaurants, where fresh nata tarts and grilled sardines are part of daily life. In residential neighborhoods, azulejo tiles and Catholic shrines on front porches recall traditions from the Azores.
Practical
The downtown area sits close to the bay and can be explored on foot, while residential neighborhoods spread over the hills. Public transit connects the different parts of town and runs regularly to the waterfront area, where several museums and memorials stand.
Did you know?
The harbor hosts Battleship Cove, where the USS Massachusetts and other World War II vessels sit permanently moored and open to visitors. On weekends, period music from the war years sometimes plays over speakers as people explore the narrow passageways and crew quarters.
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Lizzie Borden House
282 m
Battleship Cove
758 m
A. J. Borden Building
93 m
B.M.C. Durfee High School
540 m
Fall River Heritage State Park
607 m
Corky Row Historic District
684 mMarine Museum at Fall River
695 m
Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum
676 m
Durfee Mills
592 m
Downtown Fall River Historic District
187 m
Academy Building
270 mPT Boat Museum
745 m
Osborn House
726 m
American Printing Co. and Metacomet Mill
496 m
First Baptist Church
402 m
Lafayette-Durfee House
510 m
Bristol County Superior Court
748 m
Sacred Heart School
562 m
Tecumseh Mills
561 m
Unitarian Society
530 m
Belmont Club
257 m
Cataract Engine Company No. 3
257 m
Davol Mills
682 m
William M. Manley House
706 m
Motor Torpedo Boat PT 796
778 m
Lower Highlands Historic District
595 mCenter Theatre
277 mNarrows Center for the Arts
634 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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