Pawtucket Travel Guide

The Providence satellite town of Pawtucket, Rhode Island lies near the border with Massachusetts in the northeast of the United States. This medium-sized, historic town is one of the largest in Rhode Island and was the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.

Pawtucket Rhode Island was originally two cities divided by the Blackstone River and the Massachusetts state line. They were eventually merged when the area to the east of the Blackstone River became part of Rhode Island in the 1860s.

Pawtucket is fast becoming a center for arts and culture in Rhode Island, with its annual Arts Festival Riversing day-long musical event. It also lies on the Seekonk River where water cruises leave throughout the day and take in highlights of the state. The European-style boats are very well-equipped and narrated tours take in Providence Harbor or onto beautiful Narragansett Bay.

Pawtucket Attractions

Slater Mill Historic Site: was the birthplace of American industry and features Slater Mill, Sylvanus Brown House and the Wilkinson Mill. There is also a seven-ton water wheel onsite.

Slater Memorial Park: features recreational facilities including tennis courts and the oldest running Looff carousel in the world.

Modern Diner: on East avenue was the first diner in the US to be put on the National Register of Historic Places.

Daggett Farm: just outside Pawtucket on Route 1-A, the house has some fine antique furniture and is a great place to come in the summer for the horseback riding and floral gardens.

Sylvanus Brown House: formerly a worker’s home, the building has been fitted with early 19th century furnishings and gives a glimpse into the lives of workers of the time.