Pawtucket, Rhode Island
The name Pawtucket comes from an Algonquian word meaning river fall. American Indians caught salmon and smaller fish that gathered at these falls long before European settlers arrived. Joseph Jenckes Jr. came to the region from Lynn, Massachusetts in 1671. He purchased about 60 acres near Pawtucket Falls and established a sawmill and forge. The entire town was destroyed during King Philip's War shortly after its founding. Other settlers followed Jenks, and the area became home to manufacturers of muskets, linseed oil, potash, and ships by 1775. Oziel Wilkinson and his family set up an iron forge that made anchors, nails, screws, farm implements, and cannons.
In May 1824, about one hundred women left their workplaces at the mills, causing them to shut down. Power-loom weavers were all women aged 15, 30 years when mill owners decided to extend daily hours and lower income. This led to the first factory strike in the US lasting from May 26 to June 3. A compromise was reached on June 3, ending the walkout. A large number of workers then joined the strike, which lasted until the compromise. This first walkout led to labor organizing and further strikes in the whole region. In 1922, the city was affected by the New England Textile Strike, shutting down the mills over an attempted wage cut and hours increase.
The 2020 United States census counted 75,604 people living in Pawtucket. The population density was 8,723.2 per square mile. According to the 2000 census, 20.6% of residents are French or French-Canadian. Like nearby cities Providence, Fall River, and New Bedford, Pawtucket hosts a significant population from across the former Portuguese Empire including a significant Cape Verdean population. Pawtucket is also one of the few areas of the United States with a significant Liberian population, mostly refugees from Charles Taylor's regime. Rhode Island has the highest per capita Liberian population in the country. The 2010 census showed about 25% of residents are Latino.
Hasbro, one of the world's largest manufacturers of toys and games, is headquartered in Pawtucket. Many healthcare, retail and insurance companies are headquartered in Pawtucket. Fox Point Pickles, a pickling company, is headquartered in Pawtucket. The textile business in New England declined during the Great Depression, with many manufacturers closing or moving their facilities to the South where operations and labor were cheaper. Today, goods produced in the city include lace, non-woven and elastic woven materials, jewelry, silverware, metals, and textiles. Hasbro remains a Fortune 1000 toy and game making company based here.
The City of Pawtucket has been supportive of the arts community since 1975. On the 2nd of September 1977, the Beach Boys performed a concert at Narragansett Park attended by 40,000 people. This was the largest concert audience in Rhode Island history. In 2017, music historians Al Gomes and Connie Watrous got the street where the concert stage stood officially renamed as Beach Boys Way. In January 1999, Herb Weiss was hired to oversee the city's newly created Arts District. Mayor James E. Doyle and Planning Department Michael Cassidy supported this development strategy. Lorraine Mills houses institutions including Mixed Magic Theatre, Wage House comedy club, Pawtucket Arts Collaborative, and Crooked Current Brewery.
Pawtucket Red Sox played from 1970 to 2020 at McCoy Stadium. The longest professional baseball game in history, 33 innings, was played at McCoy Stadium in 1981. The team was owned by Ben Mondor until his death and was sold by his estate. The PawSox franchise was relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts to become the Worcester Red Sox beginning with the 2021 season. Demolition of McCoy stadium commenced in 2025. In 1934, Narragansett Park opened for Thoroughbred horse racing. Until its closure in 1978, the track hosted several important races that drew some of the top horses from around the United States including Hall of Fame members Seabiscuit, War Admiral and Gun Bow. Rhode Island FC will have its inaugural season in 2024.
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Common questions
What is the origin of the name Pawtucket Rhode Island?
The name Pawtucket comes from an Algonquian word meaning river fall. American Indians caught salmon and smaller fish that gathered at these falls long before European settlers arrived.
When did the first factory strike occur in Pawtucket Rhode Island?
The first factory strike in the US lasted from May 26 to June 3 in 1824. Power-loom weavers were all women aged 15, 30 years when mill owners decided to extend daily hours and lower income.
How many people lived in Pawtucket Rhode Island according to the 2020 census?
The 2020 United States census counted 75,604 people living in Pawtucket. The population density was 8,723.2 per square mile.
Where is Hasbro headquartered and what does it manufacture?
Hasbro one of the world's largest manufacturers of toys and games is headquartered in Pawtucket. Hasbro remains a Fortune 1000 toy and game making company based here.
What concert took place at Narragansett Park in Pawtucket Rhode Island on September 2nd 1977?
On the 2nd of September 1977 the Beach Boys performed a concert at Narragansett Park attended by 40,000 people. This was the largest concert audience in Rhode Island history.