Huge Things Actually Happened In This Small Town In Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it played a pretty huge role in our nation's history and formative years. In fact, Rhode Island -- particularly the Blackstone Valley -- is known as the Birthplace of the American Revolution, the time period when we transferred from farm to factory. And a lot of that is because of the success of the Slater Mill in Pawtucket.

Pawtucket is a city in Providence County that is currently home to about 71,000 people.

Of course, at the time of the Industrial Revolution, it was substantially smaller.

Pawtucket is known for its arts and culture. In fact, it's one of the most art-friendly cities in the U.S.

But its history also plays a big role in its culture. In fact, everyone who lives in Pawtucket is well aware of its past.

It all started in 1790, when America's first textile mill was built in Pawtucket.

The power of the Blackstone River was the main attraction.

Samuel "Slater the Traitor" was once an apprentice of the textile industry in England.

He eventually left England to bring his skills to Pawtucket and help design the mill. Here on U.S. soil, he was called the Father of the American Industrial Revolution. His less flattering nickname originated in England.

The Old Slater Mill was a huge success, inspiring other entrepreneurs to build mills of their own.

Today, the Slater Mill Museum is full of textile machines from the late 1700s. The mill is located at the Slater Mill Historic Site along with two other historic buildings.

It's interesting to learn the history of everything that happened in Pawtucket and how much it shaped the American Industrial Revolution.

The course of our history was changed right here in Rhode Island.

What do you think was the biggest event to happen in Rhode Island's history?