Canton in Norfolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Immigrants, The Key to the Site’s Success

— Paul Revere Heritage Site —

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 15, 2026

1. Immigrants, The Key to the Site’s Success Marker

Inscription. Immigrants: The Key to the Site's Success By 1880, immigrants from several countries, especially Ireland, were bringing their skills and hard-work ethic to help fuel Canton's economic success. Canton's many manufacturing industries provided opportunities for a wide variety of trades.

At the time this picture was taken in 1880, the Revere Copper Company was the largest corporation in Canton. It had $300,000 worth of capital and close to 1 million dollars' worth of products and materials on hand. Its workforce was paid an annual amount of $41,000, distributed among 80 men who worked an average of 10.5 hours a day. The daily rate for skilled laborers was $1.60 and a mere $1.25 for unskilled laborers. These men represented many professions and trades, including, but not limited to, chemists, rollers, machinists, watchmen, and nail makers. All these trades were involved in the production of copper sheathing.

During this period, most of the region's immigrants were from Europe. How has the immigration population changed over time, and can you think of reasons why someone would leave their home to become an immigrant today?

(image caption)
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Many of these men were recent immigrants from several European countries. Without these workers, the burgeoning industrial revolution would have stalled and disappeared. (Image courtesy of Canton Historical Society)

Erected 2025 by Town of Canton.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 42° 9.332′ N, 71° 9.007′ W. Marker is in Canton, Massachusetts, in Norfolk County. It is on Revolution Way east of Neponset Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 15, 2026

2. Immigrants, The Key to the Site’s Success Marker

distance of this marker: From Brown Field to Green Park (a few steps from this marker); A View Across Time (a few steps from this marker); The Canton Viaduct (within shouting distance of this marker); Made in Canton (within shouting distance of this marker); A Long, Rich History (within shouting distance of this marker); Canton Dale Resident (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of U.S. Copper Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Paul Revere Heritage Site (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.