First Raw Cotton Mill in the United States

In 1813 the Boston Manufacturing Company purchased Boies Paper Mill and converted to a cotton textile mill. This mill was the first to convert raw cotton to useable textiles here in the United States. Francis Cabot Lowell was responsible for this progress. Today the sight is the location of a housing complex in his name.

In 1814 They introduction of the first power loom; manufacture of all phases of cotton production in one plant; large labor force initially consists primarily of Yankee farm women. Francis Cabot Lowell perfected his power loom in Waltham, and the textile industry, which was to transform Lawrence, Lowell, Fall River, New Bedford, and other cities into great manufacturing centers, was off to a flying start.