Fall River, Massachusetts
Bristol county. This town took the name of Troy, in 1803. It was formerly a part of Freetown. In 1834 the name was changed to that of the river within its borders, at the union of which and Taunton river the town is very pleasantly situated. This town is without a parallel on the continent of America, in regard to the union of hydraulic powers and navigation facilities. Fall river rises in Wattuppa ponds; one of which is 11 miles in length and 1 in breadth. These ponds are produced by perpetual springs, and lie about two miles east of the town. The descent of this river is 136 feet. The volume of water is constant, not liable to excess, and of sufficient power for the largest manufactories.
The harbor on Taunton river is lafe and easy of access, and of sufficient depth for the largest ships. Six ships from this port are engaged in the whale fishery. It has also some merchant and coasting vessels. A marine rail-way was constructed here in 1834.
This town has an abundance of fine granite, equal to the Quincy. A rail-road is in progress to meet the Boston and Providence, at Seekonk, 13 miles.
The Pocasset Hotel, belonging to a company of gentlemen, is a splendid building, constructed in 1833. No house in the country affords better accomodations. A regular steamboat line is established between this place and Providence:—distance, by water, 28 miles.
The value of the manufactures of Fall River, for the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $2,863,378, exclusive of large manufactures of machinery, iron hoops and rods, stoves, brass, copper, and tin wares. The ten cotton mills produced 7,767,614 yeards of cloth, valued at $668,028. The woolen mill produced 150,000 yards of cloth, valued at $180,000. The other articles manufactured consisted of leather, boots, shoes, iron castings, hats, nails, chairs, cabinet ware and vessels. The two print works printed twelve million yards of calico. The number of hands employed in all the factories was 1,819. The product of the whale fishery, the same year, was $68,700. Hands employed in the fishery, 120.
Fall River lies 49 miles S. from Boston, 17 S. from Taunton, 14 W. from New Bedford, 18 S.E. from Providence, R.I., and 190 E. from New York. Population, in 1820, 1,594; 1830, 4,159; 1837, 6,352.—The surface of Fall River is elevated, rough and uneven, and considered a healthy location for a manufacturing town.
