Lincoln in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Kelly’s Mill Left an Impression
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
| — | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | — |
Photographed by Michael Herrick, April 12, 2022
1. Kelly’s Mill Marker
Do you see a rectangular footprint in front of you? It marks the site where the Kelly Mill stood. Starting in the early 1800s, the mill used water from the Blackstone River to power its spinning machines.
Wilbur Kelly purchased the mill in 1825. Soon after, he allowed the new Blackstone Canal to go right past his mill. In return, he won the right to tap the canal’s waterpower. This extra power fueled success and growth. In 1845, Kelly built the extension you see on the right side of the picture.
[Caption:]
— Ashton Mill In 1867 Ashton Mill was built just across the river. The new mill was about 12 times bigger than the original Kelly Mill. You can see the smokestack through the trees behind you. This site exemplifies how much mills changed in the mid-1800s.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 41° 56.279′ N, 71° 26.073′ W. Marker is in Lincoln, Rhode Island, in Providence County. It can be reached from
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Providence. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Banking on the Riverbank's Value (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gate Operator (approx. half a mile away); Water Turbine Runner (approx. half a mile away); Albion Dam (approx. 1.4 miles away); Nine Men’s Misery (approx. 1.4 miles away); Monastery Bell (approx. 1.6 miles away); Splendid Mansion of Eleazer Arnold (approx.
Photographed by Michael Herrick, April 12, 2022
2. Kelly’s Mill Marker
Photographed by Michael Herrick, April 12, 2022
3. Kelly’s Mill Marker and the Footprint of the Mill
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 19, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
