Waterpower

Waterpower (HM285H)

Location: Pawtucket, RI 02860 Providence County
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Country: United States of America
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N 41° 52.643', W 71° 22.972'

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Inscription
Controlling water power during the early years of the Industrial Revolution also meant gaining control of political, economic, and social power. Re-engineering water courses in this area often brought lawsuits and anger. In August 1792, four local citizens destroyed the partially-built dam at Slater Mill. Slater Mill's dam was completed before the courts decided whether or not it could be built. Mill investors pushed forward at the expense of fishermen, artisans, farmers, and others who depended on the natural flow of the river.
[Illustration captions and subtext, from left to right, read]
· Power canal system as it exists today

Diverting and controlling a share of the river's power was an early priority of Samuel Slater. Oziel Wilkinson oversaw completion of Slater's dam in November 1792. The dam ensured a large, consistent 7-foot fall of water to turn the wooden water wheel.
· Wilkinson Mill Waterpower System A breast wheel derives its name from the curved structure or "breast" which holds water in the wheel buckets.
Bevel gear assembly used to transfer power to overhead line shafting.
Overhead shafts, pulleys, and belts carry power to the machines.
When the millrace gates are opened, water rushes down and fills the "buckets" of the water wheel. As the buckets fill, the water's



weight—62½ pounds per cubic foot—turns the wheel. Gears, shafts, and leather belts transmit the turning motion to machinery located throughout the building.
Water played a critical role throughout the Industrial Revolution. Improved technology brought bigger, more efficient mills—and a greater impact on the environment.
Details
HM NumberHM285H
Tags
Placed ByBlackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and Old Slater Mill Association
Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 at 7:02pm PDT -07:00
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Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)19T E 302271 N 4638907
Decimal Degrees41.87738333, -71.38286667
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 41° 52.643', W 71° 22.972'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds41° 52' 38.58" N, 71° 22' 58.32" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)401
Closest Postal AddressAt or near 1-23 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket RI 02860, US
Alternative Maps Google Maps, MapQuest, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps, MSR Maps, OpenCycleMap, MyTopo Maps, OpenStreetMap

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