As unassuming as Pawtucket appears with its typical downtown buildings, it played an enormous part in the economic history of this country. In 1793 , Samuel Slater developed a cotton-manufacturing mill here which ran on water power. This innovation blasted the U.S. into a new age of Industrial Revolution. The Old Slater Mill is still in operation and is now a tourist draw to the area.

There's lots of things to see and do in town from shopping and dining to sightseeing and sports. Pubs and pizza, dinner theaters and cafes ? it's all here. And although Pawtucket itself has no large shopping malls, there are numerous shopping facilities within a 5 mile radius in the neighboring towns of Lincoln and Providence.

Formal tours of the valley are available by boat and motor coach. Scenic auto routes also exist for viewing the radiant fall foliage. Cultural activities are plentiful. The Pawtucket Community Players and the Sandra-Feinstein-Gamm Theatre maintain a theatrical pulse in Pawtucket. The All Children's Theatre Ensemble is also fun to see.

The beautiful Slater Memorial Park sits by the Ten Mile River like a Siren ready to lure

tourists inside. The Daggett House on the property (circa 1695), is a historic landmark. There are tennis courts and a riverside trail on the premises, also. And, baseball and fishing are also available.

Pawtucket is part of the Blackstone River Valley which stretches for 46 miles from Worcester, Massachusetts to Pawtucket. The area is teeming with activity as well as natural beauty. A fun and easy way to enjoy the river is to take a paddle downstream and observe the numerous ecosystems along the way.

It's a great spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. A paved bikeway is being constructed parallel to the river from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI which is a long-awaited recreational treasure. Seven miles of this path have been completed and are now open for public use.

Pawtucket is located off Exits 27 and 28 of I-95 in Rhode Island.