“… The Boston & Maine system, and the N.Y., N.H., &  H. Railroad run into and through the city, connecting it in every conceivable direction with the commerce of the world. The city is but 26 miles from Boston, and the trolley lines aid the steam roads in reaching the Hub and other points in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The transportation system is very complete. In the next few years, it is confidently expected that the channel of the Merrimack River will be deepened to permit of commerce, thus adding a very desirable element to the local situation. [my emphasis] … ”

from Lowell City Directory (1920)