Blackstone Valley, Rhode Island communities: Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, Smithfield, North Smithfield, Woonsocket, Burrillville, Glocester

Communities

The Blackstone Valley - Yesterday | Who is William Blackstone? | The Blackstone Valley - Today
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Burrillville
Harrisville Main St. Harrisville RI 02830 Town Manager: Michael Wood
401-568-4300

Established in 1730, Burrillville was first settled in the mid 1600's by John Smith, with farming the prominent occupation in early Burrillville. Utilizing the town's larger waterways, Burrillville became the largest producer of woolen goods in Rhode Island. Today, the parks, lakes, rivers and scenic views, as well as the many recreational facilities attract visitors year round.

Central Falls
580 Broad St. Central Falls RI 02863 Mayor: Charles Moreau
401-727-7474

Established in 1790, Central Falls, at 1 square mile, is the smallest community in Rhode Island, and one of the most densely populated cities in the country. The city has a history of industrial development, and currently has several large manufacturing plants with its economy sustained primarily by a diversified manufacturing industry. HOURS: 8:30 am - 4 pm

Cumberland
45 Broad St. Cumberland RI 02864 Mayor: Daniel McKee
401-728-2400

Acquired from Massachusetts in 1747, Cumberland's early industrial growth centered around the abundant water power of the Blackstone and Abbott Run Rivers. Today, Cumberland retains its early rural charm and country atmosphere while maintaining continued industrial and commercial growth. Manufacturing and retail trade are today's largest income sources. HOURS: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Glocester
1145 Putnam Pike Chepachet RI 02814 Council President: Steven A. Sette
401-568-6206

Established in 1639, Glocester's early industry consisted of farming, coal mining, lumber manufacturing, potash manufacturing, forging and cotton seed oil manufacturing. Diverse industries such as cigar making, granite and marble quarrying, distilling, box making, hat manufacturing and tin smithing have also had a presence. Glocester was immortalized because of its picturesque essence by H. P. Lovecraft in his "Selected Letters." HOURS: 8 am - 4:30 pm

Lincoln
100 Old River Rd. Lincoln RI 02865 Town Administrator: T. Joseph Almond
401-333-1100

Established in 1730, Lincoln's 7 villages were established in the late 19th century with the introduction of the textile industry. Manufacturing is the principal source of income today with jewelry, silverware and primary metals leading the groups. Recent years have shown a trend towards increased diversification with the advent and growth of new industries, while acquiring more than 300 acres of open space. HOURS: 9 am - 4:30 pm Community Profile

North Smithfield
P.O.Box 603 Forestdale RI 02824 Town Administrator: Paulette Hamilton
401-767-2202

Established in 1730, the town was rural-agrarian in its beginnings, with most early settlers living and working on farms. Today, the forest and farmland has been and is presently being redesigned into residential, industrial, commercial and recreational use. While adopting a suburban character, the town has not lost its early charm.

Pawtucket
137 Roosevelt Ave. Pawtucket RI 02860 Mayor: James Doyle
401-728-0500 Fax: 401-723-8620 Email

Established in 1671, Pawtucket has the 4th largest city population in Rhode Island. With a rich history of manufacturing, Birthplace of the industrial revolution and the country's first working cotton mill, Pawtucket now has 300 diversified industries with the largest being toys, jewelry, silverware, metals and textiles. HOURS: 8:30 am - 4 pm.

Smithfield
64 Farnum Pike Esmond RI 02917 Town Manager: Dennis Finlay
401-233-1010

Established in 1730, Smithfield was extensively settled by the Quakers and was one of three towns separated from Providence in 1730/31. Today, Smithfield is a growing community located in the center of the industrial triangle formed by the cities of Providence, Woonsocket, and Worcester, Mass. Known as "Apple Country" thanks to numerous apple orchards, Smithfield also has a solid industrial base which includes several companies and Bryant College.

Woonsocket
169 Main St. Woonsocket RI 02895 Mayor: Susan Menard 401-762-6400

Established in 1867, Woonsocket was first settled in the late 17th century, with the early settlers farming the land and utilizing the power of the Woonsocket Falls. Today, Woonsocket is made up predominantly of Franco-Americans whose ancestors came from Canada to work in the textile mills. It is the commercial center for a large area of northern Rhode Island and south-central Mass., with Route 146 and the Providence and Worcester Railroad, linking it to the two major centers in the region.

Visit our sister city, Amber Valley

The Blackstone Valley - Yesterday | Who is William Blackstone? | The Blackstone Valley - Today
A Premiere Tourist Attraction | The Blackstone Valley - Tomorrow | Communities | Valley Resources and Links

Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, On the banks of the Blackstone, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
1-800-454-BVTC (2882) Local: 401-724-2200 Fax: 401-724-1342 info@tourblackstone.com