All About Fall River

Welcome to Fall River, Massachusetts! Get ready to explore the rich history and dynamic culture of this industrial powerhouse.

During the 19th century, Fall River experienced a period of rapid growth and economic success. Its advantageous location and creative infrastructure made it a center for trade and industry. The city’s deep water harbor enabled the easy import of resources such as cotton and coal, and the Fall River Branch Railroad gave convenient transportation access.

Fall River became a major center for the textile industry, drawing in thousands of Irish and French Canadian immigrants who sought employment in the booming mills. To accommodate these workers, over 12,000 units of company housing were built.

Fall River also made an impact in the granite industry, with many quarries running during this time.

Industrialization and Economy

Dive into Fall River’s industrialization and booming economy to uncover how Quequechans’ power, George Corliss’ innovation, and the textile industry’s dominance drove the city’s growth.

During the 19th century, the city experienced a swift expansion. Quequechans’ energy provided the necessary fuel for the growing industries. The construction of the Massasoit Steam Mill and Union Mills in 1846 and 1859, respectively, due to Corliss’ steam engine improvements, further propelled the industrial development.

The deep water harbor made it possible to import cotton and coal, resources essential for the flourishing textile industry.

By 1868, Fall River had surpassed Lowell as the main textile city in America. Between 1871 and 1872, 15 new corporations and 22 new mills were born, doubling mill capacity to over 1,000,000 spindles. This success attracted thousands of Irish and French Canadian immigrants.

Transportation and Trade

Transportation and trade played a key role in the development of Fall River. In 1847, steamboat service to New York City was established, connecting the city to one of the largest centers of industry and commerce. Later, the Old Colony Railroad and Fall River Railroad merged in 1854, providing better connection within the region. This allowed businesses to transport their products and people to travel.

The improved transport infrastructure significantly contributed to the success of the textile industry in Fall River. Having access to raw materials, such as cotton, and the ability to export finished goods, Fall River’s textile mills experienced rapid growth. This development was made possible due to the city’s transport and trade networks. These networks laid the foundation for Fall River’s dominance in the textile sector.

Textile Industry Dominance

Fall River rapidly became the leading textile city in America by 1868. It had over 500,000 spindles and experienced a dramatic expansion in 1871 and 1872. During this time, its overall mill capacity doubled to 1,000,000 spindles. By 1876, Fall River had one-sixth of all New England cotton capacity and half of print cloth production.

The city’s growth was driven by a great number of immigrants, primarily Irish and French Canadians. This influx of immigrants led to a population boom. To accommodate the larger workforce, more than 12,000 units of company housing were built. These multi-family tenements, typically with up to six apartments, were constructed with wood frames and supplemented by privately owned tenements. They differed from the boardinghouses and cottages found in Rhode Island.

The boom of the textile industry in Fall River created a need for immigrant worker housing. This paved the way for the city’s next chapter.

Housing for Immigrant Workers

During the textile industry’s heyday in Fall River, there were vivid neighborhoods of multi-family tenements that provided shelter for hardworking immigrants. Thousands of immigrants, mainly Irish and French Canadian, came to Fall River in search of jobs in the booming mills. To accommodate this population surge, 12,000 units of company housing were built. These units consisted of wooden-framed multi-family tenements, each featuring up to six apartments. The design of these structures aimed to fit as many families as possible, reflecting the need for cost-effective housing in the area. Additionally, private tenements also supplemented the worker housing.

Fall River’s worker housing differed from the boardinghouses and cottages found in neighboring Rhode Island. The densely-packed tenements in Fall River were specifically designed to meet the needs of the growing workforce, providing them with convenient housing close to their workplaces. It is worth mentioning that the upcoming section on the ‘granite industry’ is relevant here, as Fall River’s granite – the foundation of the city – was used in the construction of these tenements. To learn more about the use of Fall River granite and its impact on the economy, continue reading.

Granite Industry

Fall River is known for its granite rock. During the 19th century, the city held several granite quarries, the Beattie Granite Quarry being the largest. It gained a reputation for creating superior building material. Many structures in Fall River were constructed with this durable and attractive granite.

Transporting Fall River granite was costly and impractical. As a result, the mills along the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay were made with red brick instead. The Sagamore Mills on North Main Street, however, were made with granite from Freetown, while the mills above the hill were made with native granite. The Chateau-sur-Mer mansion in Newport was an exception, as it was built with Fall River granite.

The granite industry had a major influence on Fall River’s architectural landscape. Mills and public buildings proudly displayed the greyish-pink hue of Fall River granite. This industry, combined with the textile industry and other economic factors, helped Fall River prosper and grow in the early 20th century.