Canton in Norfolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Made in Canton
| | Paul Revere Heritage Site | |
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026
1. Made in Canton Marker
A wide variety of items was produced on this property over the past 300 years.
As early as 1717, grain was ground in a gristmill, powered by water from the millpond. During the first three years of the American Revolution (1776-1779), a powder mill produced gunpowder for the colonists' cause. Paul Revere and Son produced thousands of sheets of rolled copper for numerous American ships in the 1800s, most notably for the USS Constitution's refit in 1803. During the years 1862-1865, the Revere Copper Company produced more 12-pounder light field guns than any other source. All told, Revere manufactured 443 Napoleons to fulfill a contract with the U.S. government.
In the 20th century, Plymouth Rubber Co. produced some 1.5 million rolls of tape a day, made materials for gas masks during World War II, and created the rubber insoles that supported American soldiers during the war.
What factors do you think made Canton a favorable site for manufacturing so many different products?
(Captions)
Copper sheathing has protected USS Constitution's lower hull against 'shipworms' since her launch. The original 1797 sheathing came from England. In 1803, Paul Revere's Canton, MA rolling mill made new sheathing for the ship. The copper, frequently replaced throughout the 19th century, is replaced today about every 20 years when the ship is docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard's Dry Dock. This photograph, taken days before Constitution's refloat on July 23, 2017, shows the original 1795 keel and the new copper installed for the 2015-2017 restoration. (Image courtesy of Margherita M. Desy/Naval History & Heritage Command Detachment Boston)
One of the hundreds of Federal Napoleon light field guns produced by Paul Revere & Son Copper Rolling Mill during the Civil War. This one is on display at Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, PA. (Image courtesy of Gettysburg National Military Park)
Slipknot plastic electrical tape was one of many products made by Plymouth Rubber in the 20th century (Image courtesy of Canton Historical Society)
Erected 2025
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • War, US Revolutionary • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1717.
Location. 42° 9.352′ N, 71° 9.008′ W. Marker is in Canton, Massachusetts, in Norfolk County. It can be reached from Revolution Way 0.2 miles south of Revere Street, on the left when traveling south. Located at the Paul Revere Museum of Discovery & Innovation. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 Rolling Mill Way, Canton MA 02021, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Boston. 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 walking distance of this marker: Birthplace of U.S. Copper Industry (a few steps from
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026
2. Made in Canton Marker (wide)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
