Pollution on the Blackstone River, Main St., Pawtucket

The Blackstone River is recognized by the U.S. Congress  as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. It powered Slater Mill, the first successful mill in America, as well as many other factories producing everything from wire to Mr. Potato Head.Although historically the Blackstone River has enabled production of many goods, industry has taken a toll on the river, introducing pollution that empties to the Providence River and eventually Narragansett Bay. Today, the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Corridor attempts to preserve the Blackstone Valley’s mill village landscape.