Waterpower
Controlling water power during the early years of the Industrial Revolution also meant gaining control of political, economic, and social power. Re-engineering water courses in this area often brought lawsuits and anger. In August 1792, four local citizens destroyed the partially-built dam at Slater Mill. Slater Mill's dam was completed before the courts decided whether or not it could be built. Mill investors pushed forward at the expense of fishermen, artisans, farmers, and others who depended on the natural flow of the river.
[Illustration captions and subtext, from left to right, read]
• Power canal system as it exists today
Diverting and controlling a share of the river's power was an early priority of Samuel Slater. Oziel Wilkinson oversaw completion of Slater's dam in November 1792. The dam ensured a large, consistent 7-foot fall of water to turn the wooden water wheel.
• Wilkinson Mill Waterpower System
A breast wheel derives its name from the curved structure or "breast" which holds water in the wheel buckets.
Bevel gear assembly used to transfer power to overhead line shafting.
Overhead shafts, pulleys, and belts carry power to the machines.
When the millrace gates are opened, water rushes down and fills the "buckets" of the water wheel. As the buckets fill, the water's
Water played a critical role throughout the Industrial Revolution. Improved technology brought bigger, more efficient mills—and a greater impact on the environment.
Erected by Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and Old Slater Mill Association.
Location. 41° 52.643′ N, 71° 22.972′ W. Marker is in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in Providence County. Touch for map. Marker is on the Slater Mill Historic Site grounds, along the raceway just south of the Wilkinson Mill. Marker is at or near this postal address: 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket RI 02860, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Slater Mill (here, next to this marker); Wilkinson Mill (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Wilkinson Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Old Slater Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); First Successful Cotton Mill in America
Also see . . .
1. Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. (Submitted on June 5, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Watermill at Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 5, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Samuel Slater Bio. (Submitted on June 5, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Categories. • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels •
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2018. This page originally submitted on June 5, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on June 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 5, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
RSS Feed