Whittenton Mills Complex

Whittenton Mills Complex is an industrial site along the Mill River in Taunton featuring multiple red brick buildings spread across a large area. The structures show typical factory design with tall windows, and various small businesses now operate from the spaces.

James Leonard started an iron forge here in 1670, which later became a textile manufacturing center during the 1800s. The shift from metalwork to textile production reflected how many American mill towns evolved.

The mill buildings show how water-powered manufacturing shaped small New England towns economically and socially. You can still see the care that went into the brick construction and design.

The site is open to walk around and photograph the exterior architecture from public areas. Most buildings are in use by businesses, so it is best to view from outside unless permission is given.

The site was used in 2008 as a filming location for Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island, where the industrial buildings portrayed a prison camp. This movie production brought attention to the location and its dramatic visual potential.

Location: Taunton

GPS coordinates: 41.92417,-71.10583

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59