Fall River Bleachery

The Fall River Bleachery is a historic textile factory with multiple granite buildings situated along Jefferson Street, where Sucker Brook flows into South Watuppa Pond. The facility was designed to utilize the natural water flow and gravity to supply the machinery throughout the complex.

The bleachery was established in 1872 and began processing cotton for the region's textile industry. Through technological improvements and growing demand, the facility's production capacity increased significantly over the following decades.

The facility provided employment for local residents as it processed cotton materials for the region's numerous textile mills. This type of factory shaped the daily life and economy of the city for many decades.

The site is accessible from Jefferson Street, where the granite structures line the waterway. Since the area is part of a historic district, it is best to walk slowly and observe the surroundings to understand the historic construction and how water was managed throughout the facility.

The founder traveled to Europe to study advanced cotton bleaching methods before returning to establish this large-scale operation. This knowledge from international practices allowed the facility to quickly gain production capacity and become a leader in the region's bleaching industry.