BLACKSTONE CANAL HELPS BOLSTER INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Worcester became a hub of industry very early on with the onset of the expensive and relatively short lived Blackstone Canal linking this inland city to the seaport in Providence, Rhode Island. Before being replaced by the railway system some twenty years later, the canal opened up opportunities for enterprising firms to settle in Worcester.

Early in Worcester’s history, half of the population worked in its factories. Immigrants – Swedish, Irish, French-Canadian, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Greek and others – supplied the much needed skills and manpower. Eventually elements of all nationalities that make up America added their flair to Worcester, many congregating in the small villages that still make up the city today.

COLLEGES AND INDUSTRIALISTS STAKE THEIR CLAIM

Small learning institutions have grown in to world renowned colleges such as Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Holy Cross and Clark University. Remarkable individuals have chosen Worcester to stake their claim in the industrial revolution: Milton P. Higgins started several manufacturing plants including Worcester Pressed Steel and Norton Company. At one time, Norton was the largest industrial manufacturer of abrasive products and its precision grinding machine plant spread over 6 ½ acres. No longer headquartered in Worcester, the former Norton Company, now Saint Gobain, is still one of the largest employers in Worcester.

From the high precision machine tools, steel and wire goods, aircraft parts, envelopes and grinding wheels to the small blacksmith, bakeries and locksmiths, Worcester is a city where both the large and small business thrived.In addition, each has given generously to the Worcester community and the community has supported them, each playing a valuable role in what has been a strong, vibrant city.