Pawtucket Falls

Pawtucket Falls drops over multiple levels of rock formations along the Blackstone River near downtown. The water cascades across natural stone steps that shape the landscape in this part of the river.

Samuel Slater built his cotton mill at these falls in 1793, starting the American Industrial Revolution. The waterpower here drove early factories and made this location a birthplace of American manufacturing.

The name Pawtucket comes from an Algonkin language and refers to the natural cascade in the tidal stream that local people depended on. Community members gathered near the falls for various daily activities and trade.

You can see the falls from several spots along Main Street Bridge or from paths on the riverbank. The best views change depending on the time of day and water levels.

Despite centuries of heavy industrial development, the falls still drop about 30 feet over their original rock formations. The water continues to cascade exactly where it did in earlier times.

Location: Rhode Island

Part of: Blackstone River

GPS coordinates: 41.87710,-71.38230

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:02