It might not be a trendy iPad or Kindle, but the cotton mill was once a piece of cutting-edge technology that left a palpable impact on American society. That’s because it was our nation’s very first factory, and it was built in what is today known as the
John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. This 46-mile area that stretches between Providence, Rhode Island, and Worcester, Massachusetts, was home to Native Americans, European colonists, craftsmen, farmers and industrialists.

The Industrial Revolution started on the banks of the Blackstone River in 1790. It was there, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, that craftsmen built Slater Mill, which used water power to spin cotton. There’s a lot to know about the history of this influential region, and you can start online by taking a free
crash course on all things Blackstone Valley—you’ll even get a pin upon completion of the quiz. Once you’re a bona fide Blackstone Valley expert, you’ll want to make the most of your visit by checking out this list of five fun things to do there:
Cruis
e along the BlackstoneEvery Sunday through October 11,
cruises depart from Central Falls, Rhode Island, (near Providence) and float across the Blackstone, an American Heritage River. While you’re aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer you’ll gain a better appreciation for the flora and fauna of this wilderness area and learn about the river's contribution to the industrial heritage of the Blackstone Valley. These 45-minute narrated cruises leave on the hour from 1 to 4 p.m.
Visit the Smith Appleby House Museum
The Smith Appleby House Museum was built circa 1696 by Elisha Smith. Smith was the grandson of John Smith, a cartographer of the New England coast and member of Roger William's original party of six men who left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to settle in Providence. Over the years, the house's farmlands, woodlands and orchards have been the site of a grist mill, saw mill and blacksmith shop. This delicately restored and furnished farmhouse features beautiful cabinet work and an intriguing antique collection and is currently used as the historical society headquarters.
The Smith Appleby House is open for tours during scheduled events, or tours may be arranged on request. Traditional annual
events include the May Breakfast, Strawberry Social in June, Apple Social in September, Colonial Dinner in November, and Christmas at Smith Appleby House.
Enjoy Activities and
Events at River Bend Farm Visitors CenterOn August 8, celebrate Smokey Bear’s 66th birthday at the River Bend Farm Visitors Center at the
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, centrally located in the heritage corridor. The event will feature a campfire sing along, children’s activities, fire equipment displays, fire safety demonstrations, and, of course, birthday cake with Smokey!
Year -round activities include walks on the Historic Blackstone Canal tow path from the Visitors Center to the Stanley Woolen Mill (circa 1830), paddling on the Blackstone River or in the Blackstone Canal, maple sugaring the first three weekends in March, "Concerts on the Canal" on summer Sundays, and other interpretive programs.
Pawtucket Arts FestivalThis Rhode Island city-wide
celebration of the arts begins August 27th and features a gala opening and
Taste of Pawtucket that evening. The next day, marvel at brightly colored, intricately designed dragonboats as they compete in the
Rhode Island Dragonboat Races. The Taiwan Day Festival also takes place that day, with performers from Taiwan and Boston, as well as plenty of food, crafts and kite-flying. The arts festival runs through September 26 and includes a showcase of visual and performing arts, interactive workshops, cultural celebrations and live music.
Run, Bike and Paddle
The UniBank Blackstone River Valley
Greenway Challenge is a 59-mile relay course that begins in Worcester, Massachusetts, sending cyclists through stone-walled country roads, paddlers down the historic Blackstone River and runners competing on the Blackstone River Bikeway to the finish line in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Historical sites and national landmarks are featured each year as transition sites along the Blackstone River and Canal. The relay kicks off September 25, marking its tenth year.
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