Rediscovered...

             Brief History…

 

 

In 1850, the textile industry was well established in several towns in Massachusetts including Fall River, but it was only in its infancy in the city of New Bedford.  The primary reason for the late start was due to the continued area prosperity of the whaling industry.  Although the first successful textile mill (Wamsutta Mill) opened in 1848, it wasn’t until the decline of the whaling industry in the 1880s that the textile industry finally started to expand in New Bedford.  During this period of expansion (1880–1920), New Bedford’s population increased from about 27,000 to 121,000 and the number of mills increased from 2 to 31.

 

The decline of the industry started when more favorable economic conditions developed in the south.  The prolonged mill workers strike, the stock market crash in 1929, and great depression of the 1930s were all significant contributors to this decline.

 

Since the 1940s the textile mills have been either empty or used as storage facilities.  It wasn’t until recently that renewed interest in these old structures developed.  Developers and investors discovered that these old mills could easily be converted into great commercial space and residential housing.  This new interest has resulted in several successful conversions into commercial and professional office space as well as housing for the elderly and over 55 communities.  Moreover, several other projects are currently being converted into apartment and condominium complexes.