Woonsocket, Rhode Island is a small city of about 43,000 located in north central Rhode Island, right next to the Massachusetts border.  We are in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.  There's a lot of history here - from the first sawmill in the 1660's to an uprising against the Catholic Church in the late 1920's to the boom years of the World Wars and the bust years of the 60's, Woonsocket has seen it all.

One of the most important influences in Woonsocket was the many French-Canadian families who came to the area to work in the mills.  Even now, you can hear French spoken in our shops and restaurants.  Even our English is touched by the French language: here, we say, "close the light," and we park our cars "side by each."

A Great Location

Woonsocket is near the best New England has to offer.  Connected to I-295 and the rest of the Interstate system by the new Route 99 connector highway, we are just 20 minutes from Providence, 35 minutes from Worcester, MA, and about an hour from Boston.  The finest beaches and sailing on the East Coast are a short drive away, and ski enthusiasts can get to the slopes of New Hampshire and Vermont in just a few hours.

The Blackstone Valley

The Blackstone Valley is also known as the Birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution.  The Blackstone River, which gives the region its name, has a rich history.  Mills Rose swiftly alongside its banks, as it presents the perfect conditions for the generation of waterpower, and robust growth followed in the early to mid-1800s.  The area was named a National Heritage Corridor in 1986.

The Blackstone still provides tremendous opportunities for outdoor recreation, and canoes ad kayaks are common sights today.  Equally at home along this majestic river are hikers, bikers, and fisherman.

One of the valleys most well known attractions is Southwick’s Zoo.  It is New England’s largest zoo, with over 600 rare birds and exotic animals on exhibit.  Young and old alike never get tired of spending time with the wide variety of wildlife that call Southwick’s home.

A visit to the Blackstone Valley is not complete without a stop at the Asa Waters Mansion in Millbury, rumored to be a stop on the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves.  Or if you’re into folk art, visit to the Vaillancourt Folk Art & Friends shop is a must.   Throughout the Valley, an abundance of farms, orchards, and roadside stands showcase the region’s finest agriculture products.

Take a drive along the back roads and you’ll find plentiful examples of the region as it was two centuries ago, with clusters of mill villages alongside the river.  Many large mill building remain, as proud testaments to another age.  In fact, the Blackstone Valley contains over 10,000 historic buildings and sites.

For more information on the Blackstone Valley, the National Heritage Corridor Visitor Center is at Voss Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge, and is well worth a visit.

The Blackstone Canal, built alongside the river to transport goods downstream to Providence, will soon become a bike path.  This exciting new addition to the Valley will provide additional recreational opportunities, and will further connect the breathtaking scenery and rich history of Central Massachusetts.

Source: CM Visitors Guide

A Great Place to do Business

Woonsocket works. The city is completing work on the new Highland II Industrial Park, with direct access to Route 99 and Interstate 295. Enterprise zones have been established, with special tax breaks for new businesses. Artists, and start-up businesses, take note - there are a number of mill buildings and upper floors with good space and reasonable rents available.  We're close to RISD in Providence! Call City Hall at 401-762-6400 for more information. See why the largest drugstore chain in the USA, CVS, calls Woonsocket home.  And take a look at a few other local businesses.

A Place for Fun!

From Autumnfest in October to Mardi Gras in winter to Farmer's Market in early Fall, Woonsocket has its share of good times.  And area communities have their own shows & festivals, making the Blackstone Valley an exciting place to live & work.

Special Links to things in Woonsocket