The Lowell Experience Welcome to Lowell, Massachusetts a modern city with a historic past. By Barbara Fowler Emporia Middle School

Lowell is at the center of the American Industrial Revolution. Selected by the Boston Associates Ideal site because of rapids on the Merrimack and Concord Rivers

Canals Power the Textile Mills Water was taken by hand dug canals to power the mills

Lowell was home to five major textile mills. Boott Mill was one of the major mills in Lowell It is now a National Park Dedicated to teaching about: Mill technology Mill workers Community planning Water power

Gate Houses were placed along canals to open and close gates to allow canal levels to raise and lower.

A strong work force was essential. YOUNG WOMEN WERE RECRUITED FROM FARMS IN NEW ENGLAND. WORKING ON THE FARM WAS SLOW HARD WORK THAT OFFERED NO REAL FUTURE.

Women Welcomed Boarding House Life Meals were prepared for the girls Instead of cooking over an open fire

The Company Bell and Clock Schedules were now dictated by the bells and clocks instead of sunrise and sunset.

Mills were fully integrated Carding, Spinning, and Weaving now happened under one roof.

Teaching about the past to make a better future Modern Day Lowell Still a city of canals Teaching about the past to make a better future