In 1868, Lowell resident Charles Cowley wrote the “Illustrated History of Lowell”, a book filled with fascinating facts about our city. Here’s my fifth weekly compilation of “tweeting” from Cowley’s book:

July 3 – Chelmsford always gave tax breaks & land grants to millers, mechanics & traders so they would settled in the town. Many did.

July 5 – By end of 18th century Billerica Tewksbury Chelmsford & Dracut all had many saw-mills, grist-mills & mechanics shops.

July 7 – At end of 18th century, this region became a center of lumber production – Pawtucket Canal dug to get lumber passed the falls.

July 7 – In 1792 Proprietors of the Locks & Canals on Merrimack River incorporated – the oldest still active corporation in the US.

July 8 – Construction of Pawtucket Canal began in 1792; it took 4 years to complete and cost $50,000.