Blackstone River, River system in Worcester region, Massachusetts, United States
The Blackstone River is a river system flowing from Worcester, Massachusetts down to Pawtucket Falls in Rhode Island. The waterway moves through a landscape with several tributaries and natural variations in elevation along its path.
In the 1790s, Samuel Slater built one of America's first water-powered cotton mills at Pawtucket Falls. This launched industrial development along the river, which became a major center of early manufacturing.
The river is named after William Blackstone, an early European settler of the area. Indigenous people originally called this waterway Kittacuck, meaning great tidal river.
The river has several entry points along its banks for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking activities. Visitors should check local conditions and access regulations before heading out on the water.
The river's sediment holds remains from hundreds of mills that operated along its banks during the industrial era. This vanished manufacturing landscape lies hidden beneath the water's surface.
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