Pawtucket in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Birthplace of American Manufacturing
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, Slater Mill Historic Site
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 19, 2020
1. Birthplace of American Manufacturing Marker
Samuel Slater came here from England in 1789. He had just finished a seven-year apprenticeship at an English cotton mill, which gave him great knowledge of the water-powered spinning process developed over the previous two decades.
With the help of many Pawtucket artisans, Slater, William Almy, and Obadiah Brown opened this water-powered cotton spinning mill four years later. The success of this mill triggered America's Industrial Revolution. Slater managed the operation of the mill. His management strategies became the model for future mills to follow.
In this model, mills were small and often managed by their owners. Entire families, including children, were hired to operate the machines. These families depended on the owners to provide food and housing as well as wages.
Spun Gold
The first mechanically-produced yarn was spooled onto spindles like this one. Slater eventually became a millionaire from his textile mills.
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 1789.
Location. 41° 52.643′ N, 71° 22.974′ W.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Water Works (here, next to this marker); Wilkinson Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); A Family Business (within shouting distance of this marker); Harnessing the Power of the Blackstone River (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Wilkinson Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Milling Machines (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Slater Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); First Successful Cotton Mill in America (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pawtucket.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 19, 2020
2. Birthplace of American Manufacturing Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
