The Wilkinson and Slater Mills along the banks of the Blackstone River in Pawtucket, RI

The AP is reporting that the Slater Mill and environs now known as the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor has received a favorable report from the National Park Service to move up to the full designation as a national historic park.

Learn more about this site here at nps.gov.

A National Park Service report issued yesterday supports making the Old Slater Mill and nearby mill towns in Rhode Island and Massachusetts a national historic park. The designation for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor would enhance the historic landmark’s standing, while making it eligible for consistent federal funding. The Slater Mill was America’s first successful textile mill and helped usher in the country’s industrial revolution. Congress has the final say on whether to make the area a national historic park. (AP)

Superintendent of the Lowell National Historical Park Michael Creasey served as superintendent at the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor before coming to Lowell.

The NPS study of the Corridor site can be read here.