Blackstone River
The river once bore the name Kittacuck, meaning "the great tidal river" in the language of the Native American people who lived along its banks. This title reflected a time when salmon and lamprey swam in abundance through the waters before European arrival. William Blackstone, originally spelled Blaxton, arrived in Weymouth, Massachusetts in 1623. He became the first European settler of present-day Boston in 1625. By 1635, he had relocated to Rhode Island and built his home on this waterway. The area where he settled would eventually become Cumberland. The river took his name as settlers expanded their presence across the landscape.
South-central Worcester, Massachusetts marks the point where the Middle River and Mill Brook converge to form the stream. From that origin, the water follows a rough southeast course past Worcester City and Northbridge. It flows through Millbury, Sutton, Grafton, Northbridge, Uxbridge, Millville, and Blackstone. The path continues into Rhode Island, moving past Woonsocket, Cumberland, Lincoln, Central Falls, and Pawtucket. At Pawtucket Falls, the river becomes tidal and empties into the Seekonk River just north of Providence. Tributaries like the West River and Mumford River join the main channel in Uxbridge, while the Branch River feeds it from North Smithfield, Rhode Island. The total length spans hundreds of miles with a drainage area covering 475 square miles.
Samuel Slater opened the first successful water-powered cotton mill in America at Pawtucket Falls in 1790. This facility drew its power directly from the waters of the Blackstone River. Many other mills appeared along the river over time, transforming the region into a significant American industrial location. To further facilitate growth, the Blackstone Canal was constructed in the early 19th century. The canal ran parallel to the river, providing a vital transportation route for goods between Worcester, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. This infrastructure allowed for the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products throughout the watershed. By the end of the 20th century, these industries contributed heavily to the pollution of Narragansett Bay.
August 1955 brought severe flooding that caused extensive damage to Woonsocket, Rhode Island. While the river usually maintains a width of roughly 300 feet, it swelled to over 1,000 feet during the event. The disaster resulted from a succession of dam breaks triggered by rainfall from Hurricane Connie and Hurricane Diane. These storms delivered more than 14 inches of rain within a single week across parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The highest water mark on record for the Blackstone river in Woonsocket reached 28 feet, standing fully 16 feet above flood stage. This catastrophic event remains one of the most destructive floods in the region's history.
Early industries discharged dyes from textile mills, heavy metals, and solvents from metal and woodworking operations into the stream since the 18th century. A 1990 report from the United States Environmental Protection Agency described the waterway as "the most polluted river in the country because of high concentrations of toxic sediments." That same year, a Massachusetts Department of Public Health report stated the condition was offensive throughout its course from Worcester to the state line at Blackstone. Metals continue to be measured in sediments near and adjacent to the river today. By 2010, the river was rated as the worst category for all assessed uses including aquatic life, fish consumption, swimming, boating, and aesthetics up to its beginning at Middle River.
The inaugural celebration of Earth Day in 1970 increased public support for remediation projects across the valley. In 1971, a formalized plea for action was made to then Governor of Rhode Island Frank Licht. The Blackstone River Watershed Association, which had existed for two years by that time, was designated to lead the effort. Political support was pledged at the state level in December 1971. Congress passed the federal Clean Water Act in April 1972, establishing a framework for regulating discharges into American waters. Despite these measures, the EPA identified concerns with impairment of water quality in 1983 and established the Peterson/Puritan Superfund Site. A 2005 report noted that wastewater treatment plants played a significant role in improving water quality, prompting lawsuits over discharge permits issued to the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District.
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Common questions
What was the original name of the Blackstone River before European settlers arrived?
The river originally bore the name Kittacuck, which means the great tidal river in the language of the Native American people who lived along its banks. This title reflected a time when salmon and lamprey swam in abundance through the waters before European arrival.
When did William Blackstone arrive in Massachusetts and where did he settle?
William Blackstone, originally spelled Blaxton, arrived in Weymouth, Massachusetts in 1623 and became the first European settler of present-day Boston in 1625. By 1635, he had relocated to Rhode Island and built his home on this waterway, an area that would eventually become Cumberland.
Where does the Blackstone River begin and end geographically?
South-central Worcester, Massachusetts marks the point where the Middle River and Mill Brook converge to form the stream. The path continues into Rhode Island, moving past Woonsocket, Cumberland, Lincoln, Central Falls, and Pawtucket until it empties into the Seekonk River just north of Providence at Pawtucket Falls.
What major flood event occurred in August 1955 affecting Woonsocket?
August 1955 brought severe flooding that caused extensive damage to Woonsocket, Rhode Island after dam breaks triggered by rainfall from Hurricane Connie and Hurricane Diane. The highest water mark on record for the Blackstone river in Woonsocket reached 28 feet, standing fully 16 feet above flood stage.
Why was the Blackstone River designated as one of the most polluted rivers in America?
A 1990 report from the United States Environmental Protection Agency described the waterway as the most polluted river in the country because of high concentrations of toxic sediments. Early industries discharged dyes from textile mills, heavy metals, and solvents from metal and woodworking operations into the stream since the 18th century.