38 W o r c e s t e r 3 0 0 : C i t y o f I n n o v a t o r s
1822-1921
W
orcester's growing
recognition as a
centrally located
trade destination
in the early 19th
century had the
business community
looking for more pathways to economic growth.
e Blackstone Canal, with construction starting in
1825, opened in 1828, providing a 46-mile waterway
along the approximate path of the Blackstone
River between Worcester and Providence. Irish
immigrants, who had begun to arrive in Worcester
in significant numbers during the 1820s, provided
much of the heavy labor.
e canal had 49 canal locks along its route,
taking advantage of the 451-foot elevation difference
between the two endpoints. It cost $750,000 to
build – twice over budget – but the two-day water
journey saved shippers an estimated $3.80 per
ton in contemporary dollars. Horse-drawn barges
with cargo capacity of about 35 tons could travel
at an estimated four miles per hour, transporting
high-tonnage cargoes such as construction and
agricultural materials. Lime kilns and stone quarries
would ship their cargo both ways, and experienced
increased demand. Shortly thereaer, taverns,
warehouses, and factories followed. Providence
merchants benefited more than their upland
counterparts.
Worcester was landlocked no more. But other
obstacles arose.
e Blackstone Canal
transformed shipping
By land or by rail
e Blackstone Canal enjoyed a brief commercial day in the sun before railroads established their turf.
is photo represents it in the process of being covered over.
e two-day
water journey
saved shippers an
estimated $3.80
per ton in
contemporary
dollars. Providence
merchants
benefited more
than their upland
counterparts.
Image | Worcester Historical Museum
