Sen. Moore presents book on industrial history of the Blackstone Valley to State Librarian

July 15, 2009 ... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, recently presented a copy of Landscape of Industry: An Industrial History of the Blackstone Valley, by the Worcester Historical Museum, to the State Librarian, Elvernoy Johnson, at the State House. The book, which features a foreword from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-MA, describes the history of one of the most important regions in the nation that contributed to the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century. The book previously had a ceremonial unveiling on Tuesday, June 7th, welcoming Sen. Moore, Congressman Richard Neal, MA-2, and Congressman James McGovern, MA-3.


As An Industrial History of the Blackstone Valley recounts, in 1790, American craftsmen built the first machines that successfully used waterpower to spin cotton. America's first factory, Slater Mill, was constructed on the banks of the Blackstone River. The revolution in harnessing the power of water spread quickly through the Valley and in other areas of New England, leading to the erection of new structures, changes to the landscape, and radically altered ways in which people lived and worked. The unique history of the region unfolds within the book, including the life and economy of the mills, the complex transportation networks, the role of slaves and the history of abolition in the Valley, the struggle for workers' rights, and the creation of the unique National Heritage Corridor itself.

Sen. Moore, who is a member of the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, presented the book to Ms. Johnson as a donation to the State Library. Upon presenting the book, Sen. Moore remarked upon the important contributions of the Blackstone Valley industry not only in the Commonwealth, but the United States. The book will be displayed in the front of the library within the State House.