West River (Massachusetts) facts for kids
The West River is a small but important river in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It flows for about 13.4-mile-long (21.6 km) (around 21.5 kilometers). This river is a branch, or "tributary," of the larger Blackstone River.
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The West River: A Massachusetts Waterway
Where Does the West River Flow?
The West River starts in the towns of Grafton and Upton, Massachusetts. It begins near the Upton State Forest, specifically at Silver Lake and Cider Mill Pond in Grafton.
From there, the river flows into the eastern part of Northbridge. It then continues through the eastern section of Uxbridge. In Uxbridge, you'll find the West Hill Dam. This dam is very important because it helps control floods, keeping nearby areas safe from too much water.
The West River then joins the Blackstone River south of Uxbridge and Wheelockville. This happens just before the Blackstone River crosses into the state of Rhode Island.
Fun Things to Do at the West River
Near the West Hill Dam, there is a special area for nature and fun. It's a wildlife preserve managed by the government. Here, you can enjoy fishing in the West River Reservoir, which is known for its good fishing spots. There are also trails for hiking and other outdoor activities.
How the West River Helped History
The West River played a big role in the early days of the American Industrial Revolution. This was a time when many factories started to use machines to make goods. The river's flowing water provided "water power," which was like natural electricity for these machines.
Around 1810, a man named Daniel Day started one of the first wool-carding mills in the U.S. This mill was located where the West River meets the Blackstone River. Carding is a process that prepares wool to be spun into thread.
Later, in 1825, Daniel Day's son-in-law, Luke Taft, started a textile mill. A textile mill makes fabric. This mill later became the famous Waucantuck Mill Complex. This is where "wash and wear" fabrics were first created. These fabrics were special because they didn't need much ironing.
The whole area around the Blackstone River Valley is very important to American history. It's recognized as a U.S. National Heritage Area. This means it's a special place that helped kick-start America's Industrial Revolution.
