Pawtucket Falls Dam - Lowell, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 38.962 W 071° 19.822
19T E 308974 N 4724511
The Pawtucket Falls Dam was built to divert the waters of the Merrimack River into two canals that were used to power the many mills in Lowell.
Waymark Code: WM4NBM
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 09/10/2008
Views: 21
The rambling masonry wall of the Pawtucket Falls dam across the Merrimack River holds back and diverts much of the water of that river, and leaves exposed the rock ledges of the Pawtucket Falls much of the year.
Before the river was dammed, a canal was built to divert sawed lumber from New Hampshire around the falls so that they could arrive at the coastal town of Newburyport. About 1823, the Boston Associates, an early corporation, bought the interests of the company that owned the canals, and expanded and enlarged these canals to power the mills that would be built. The first dams were built in 1826, which were crude wooden structures. In 1830 a masonry dam was built, and later, wood flashboards were added to increase the height further. This backed up the river for eighteen miles.
Around 1847, the dam was modified when the Pawtucket Gatehouse was built by it. This gatehouse and granite wall added a second diversion of water to feed the mills.
Today, the dam still diverts water into the canals; however, the canals are no longer used to power the mills. The best way to see the dam is to walk the Mammoth Road bridge (parking is an issue here - no good locations close by).
Waterway where the dam is located: Merrimack River
Main use of the Water Dam: Other
Material used in the structure: masonry
Height of Dam: ~ 20 feet
Date built: 01/01/1830
Fishing Allowed: yes
Motor Sports Allowed: yes
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Visit Instructions:
Photo of the Dam and a description of your visit.