Charles River

:For the UK monkey importation facility that was run by Charles River, see Shamrock Farm.

Early history of the Charles River

The river's earlier name, before the English, was Quinobequin (meandering), and it was used by Native Americans for local transportation and fishing, and as part of the way from southeastern Massachusetts to northern New England. Captain John Smith gave the river its current English name in honor of Charles I of England, his reigning monarch. Subsequent European settlers harnessed the river for industrialization, and by 1640 entrepreneurs on the Neponset River had diverted its water to power their mills.

Related Topics:
Captain John Smith - Charles I of England - Neponset River

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Waltham was the site of the first factory in America, built by Francis Cabot Lowell in 1814, and by the 19th Century, the Charles River was one of the most industrialized areas in the United States. Its hydropower soon fueled many mills and factories. By the century's end, 20 dams had been built across the river, mostly to generate power for industry. An 1875 government report listed 43 mills along the 9.5-mile tidal estuary from Watertown Dam to Boston Harbor.

Related Topics:
Waltham - Francis Cabot Lowell - 1814 - Hydropower

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