Woonasquatucket River
(Woon ahs kwa tuck it = where the salt water ends)
The Woonasquatucket River is one of the fourteen federally designated American Heritage Rivers. From its headwaters in North Smithfield, it flows to Providence where it creates Waterplace Park, and then joins other rivers to form the upper part of Narragansett Bay.The River played a powerful role in Rhode Island's progression from pioneer to national leader in the American Industrial Revolution. This rich industrial heritage left behind dams that prevent the passage of fish-such as herring, shad, and eel-that need to move between fresh and saltwater to spawn.
The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council's mission to reclaim this River as a natural, historic, and recreational resource includes returning these fish to the river through the restoration of fish passages.
Follow the river upstream and you may see great blue herons, painted turtles, kingfishers, red-tailed hawks and the first fish ladder at Rising Sun Mills.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 41° 49.754′ N, 71° 25.445′ W.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rhode Island State House (approx. half a mile away); Wall of Hope (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Hurricane and Flood of September 21, 1938 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fountain Street (approx. 0.6 miles away); Major Henry Harrison Young (approx. 0.6 miles away); Union Station (approx. 0.6 miles away); Annye (approx. 0.6 miles away); Styles (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 541 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 16, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
