History of Fall River, Massachusetts, USA

1656 - Fall River is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1803 - Fall River is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

In 1804 the town name was changed to Troy, named for Troy, New York.

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In 1834 the name changed back to Fall River.

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1834 - Fall River vs. Tiverton
The inhabitants of Fall River, Mass. and Tiverton, R. I. it appears are in a bit of a quarrel. A portion of the line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, happens to run along within a clever stone's throw of the most populous part of Fall River, which town it also divides from Tiverton. The good people of Factory village refuse to license dram shops, while their Tiverton neighbors, agreeably to Rhode Island laws, license all applicants, either for the sale of rum or lottery tickets. The existence of these nurseries of vice at that place, is as great a grievance to the inhabitants of Fall River, as if there were located in the heart of their village. They do not like it. - And while we deeply sympathise with them in their misfortunes, there does really appear no remedy - no other course - but to 'grin and bear it.' - N. Y. Gaz.
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Painesville Telegraph
Ohio
September 26, 1834

1835 - Fall River vs. Tiverton
A new survey of the line between the town of Fall River, in this State, and Tiverton, in Rhode Island, places the boundary line much further south than it has heretofore been supposed to be; so far, at least, as to include the whole of the village at Fall River in this State.
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New Bedford Gazette
New Bedford, Massachusetts
February 23, 1835

1839 - Fall River
Fall River, Massachusetts
Bristol county. This town took the name of Troy, in 1803. It was formerly a part of Freetown. In 1834 the name was changed to that of the river within its borders, at the union of which and Taunton river the town is very pleasantly situated. This town is without a parallel on the continent of America, in regard to the union of hydraulic powers and navigation facilities. Fall river rises in Wattuppa ponds; one of which is 11 miles in length and 1 in breadth. These ponds are produced by perpetual springs, and lie about two miles east of the town. The descent of this river is 136 feet. The volume of water is constant, not liable to excess, and of sufficient power for the largest manufactories.

The harbor on Taunton river is lafe and easy of access, and of sufficient depth for the largest ships. Six ships from this port are engaged in the whale fishery. It has also some merchant and coasting vessels. A marine rail-way was constructed here in 1834.

This... Read MORE...

1845 - FALL RIVER. [Pop. 6,738. Inc. 1803.]
Fall River, once a part of Freetown, was called Troy, till 1834, when it was named after the outlet of a large pond, on which its numerous manufactories are situated.

The harbor is excellent, and its location, for both commerce and manufactures, almost unequalled.

A skeleton found here, with some brazen ornaments, unlike any known to our Indians, have led to some wild conjectures in regard to the original inhabitants of this spot. A Rock once in Dighton but now in Berkeley, with figures rudely carved on it, has also led to similar conjectures.

The chief manufactures are cotton and woollen goods, and nailss, and other articles of iron. Several whaling vessels belong to Fall River.

Distance from Taunton, 17 miles; 14 from New Bedford; and 49 from Boston.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Fall River
Fall River, an important manufacturing post-town and port of entry of Bristol county, Massachusetts, at the entrance of Taunton river into Mount Hope bay, the eastern arm of Narraganset bay, and at the terminus of the Boston and Fall River railroad, 58 miles S. S. W. from Boston. It has a fine situation on elevated ground, and enjoys superior ad vantages for manufacturing : a stream, the outlet of Watuppa ponds, uniting with the Taunton at its mouth, furnishes a never-failing hydraulic power. The town is well built, much of it of granite which is obtained in large quantities from quarries in the vicinity, and contains 10 or 12 churches, 2 newspaper offices, 2 banks, a fine granite building occupied as a market house and town hall, and several flourishing schools. The streets are handsomely adorned with shade-trees, which, during the summer months, add much to the comfort and beauty of the place. Fall river, from which the town derives its name, is about 2 miles in length, the greater... Read MORE...

1854 - Fall River is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1859
FALL RIVER, a thriving township and village in Massachusetts, U.S., 51 m. S of Boston, situated on both sides of the Fall, at its entrance into Mount-Hope bay, a branch of Narraganset bay. Pop. in 1840, 6,738. It has print-works, fulling-mills, cotton-factories, and iron-works; and employs considerable shipping in the whale-fishery. Fall river consists of the outlet of Watuppa pond, 2 m. E of the town. It affords great water-power.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1869 - A shrewd Yankee - a Mr. Packard, of Fall River, Mass. - has shown what can be done in the way of wine and silk culture.
Some years ago he bought a ranche of two hundred acres in Santa Barbara, at a dollar an acre. He has now 50,000 vines, producing 20,000 gallons of wine; is engaged in silk culture, last year producing 200,000 cocoons, and is also cultivating the olive.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 17, 1869

1871 - Sticky Situation
During the services of a prayer meeting at Fall River, Massachusetts, a messenger came to summon an M. D., who was present, to attend a little boy who appeared to be suddenly attacked, after a short nap, with symptoms of paralysis, to the great consternation of his parents, as one hand was placed against his head, and he said he could not remove it. The doctor hastened to his relief, and, upon examination, it was found that the hand was firmly fastened with chewing gum.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 14, 1871

1877 - LARGE FIRE AT FALL RIVER. BORDEN MILL DESTROYED -- 36,000 SPINDLES STOPPED - THEORIES AS TO THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE - THE LOSS AND INSURANCE
Fall River, Mass., Nov. 17. - Early this morning Borden City Mill No. 1 was totally destroyed by fire. It was a brick building, erected in 1872, contained 36,000 spindles, employed 450 hands, and was running full time. The theories as to its origin are as numerous as they are untenable. The explosion, as narrated by an operative who was in the mill when the fire broke out, is accounted for by gas, but this is equally lame, as the gas main is shut off every night and not opened till morning, and the man in charge states that he had just opened the main and proceeded about 40 feet into the mill when the alarm was given, not allowing time for sufficient gas to accumulate to create such a detonation and such disastrous results. The theory of friction and smoldering during the night is also equally absurd, as the watchman had passed through the room but a short time previous, and no indications of fire were discernible. The operative further states, that when he first saw the flames in the ... Read MORE...

June 26, 1879 - Mill Strike
Strike of the mill operatives at Fall River, Mass., for an increase of wages corresponding to the last reduction: such increase claimed to have been promised when business should revive. A long dispute had taken place as to whether or not business had revived: before striking, operatives offer to submit dispute to arbitration, which was refused by the manufacturers; new help continued to be brought in; police authorities called on to repel assaults of the mob against new operatives. Strike finally unsuccessful at the beginning of October: loss in wages about $100,000.

The Daily Democrat
Huntington, Indiana
August 10, 1894

1881 - 4 Drowned
At Fall River, Mass., yesterday, Wm. Law, a spinner, age 39, and Samuel Varley, a weaver, aged 30, were dragging their sons, John H. Law,a ged 5, and Henry Varley, aged 8, on sleds on the ice, when the ice broke and all four were drowned.
Harrisburg Telegraph
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
February 7, 1881

1881 - Six Rum-Sellers to One Preacher
The Fall River, (Mass.) News, which is giving the temperance movement considerable aid has figured it out that the beer in this country last year cost the sum of $375,000,000, and that there are six rum-sellers to one preacher. It does seem to us that the ministry requires considerable rum, if it takes six men to wait on one preacher. The News has certainly made a mistake in this business.
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Macon Telegraph
Macon, Georgia
November 13, 1881

1886 - RAILROAD ACCIDENT. A WASHED-OUT CULVERT CAUSES DEATH AND DESTRUCTION.
Fall River, Mass., Feb. 13. - News has reached this city that a bad accident occurred on the Old Colony railway, at Asoonet Station. The accident was due to the washing out of a culvert by the heavy rain that has prevailed in this section for the past twenty-four hours.

The train consisted of an engine and twenty-five or thirty coal cars. The only death reported is that of the fireman, who was buried beneath the mass of debris. The engineer and other train men are reported to have escaped without injury. The entire train was precipitated into the culvert.
Newark Daily Advocate
Ohio
February 15, 1886

Fall River Massachusetts, 1890
FALL RIVER, a beautiful manufacturing city and port of entry in the southwest side of Bristol County, lies on the easterly shore of Mount Hope Bay and Taunton River. Freetown bounds it on the north and east; Dartmouth on the southeast; Westport, together with Pocasset in Rhode Island, on the south; and on the west are Mount Hope Bay and the town of Somerset, on the right bank of the Taunton River. Its assessed area is 18,272 acres, and which includes 2,607 acres of woodland.

The city proper is 49 miles south of Boston, 183 miles northeast of New York, 17 miles south of Taunton, 18 miles southeast of Providence, 14 miles west of New Bedford, and 18 miles north of New port. Along the whole extent of the water front run the tracks of the Old Colony Railroad, affording the best facilities for the transfer of freight and passengers between the cars and the numerous steamers that run to New York, Philadelphia and Providence. The Old Colony steamboats running daily between this city and... Read MORE...

1890 - CAPSIZED IN THE BAY. EIGHT OUT OF TEN BOATERS DROWNED AT FALL RIVER, MASS.
Fall River, Mass., May 26. - A small boat containing a party of pleasure seekers was capsized in the rough water in the bay yesterday and eight persons were drowned.

The names are:
SAMUEL WITTLES, aged 50.
MRS. WITTLES, aged 45.
HENRY WITTLES, aged 10.
SAMUEL WITTLES, JR., aged 12.
LEVINA BUCKLEY, aged 35.
FRED BUCKLEY, aged 3.
WILLIE BUCKLEY, aged 8.
WILLIE TURNER, aged 8.

The accident was caused by the inexperience of one of the men who were rowing the boat. Only one of the party could swim and he succeeded in saving one of his companions besides himself.
Evening Gazette
Sterling, Illinois
May 26, 1890

1892 - August 4 - Sunday school teacher Lizzie Borden arrested in Fall River, Mass
The father and stepmother of Lizzie Borden are found murdered in their Fall River, Massachusetts home.
historyorb.com
August 4, 1892

Read more about Lizzie Andrew BORDEN

1892 - THE BORDEN MURDER. Preparations for the Preliminary Hearing of Lizzie Borden.
Fall River, Mass., Aug. 22. - Miss Lizzie A. Borden arrived here from the Taunton jail this morning and will be given a preliminary hearing on a charge of murder this afternoon, beginning at 2 o'clock. She did not show the slightest trace of suffering and did not in any degree mind the attention she attracted...
Harrisburg Telegraph
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
August 22, 1892

Read more about Lizzie Andrew BORDEN

1892 - Loss in the Fall River Fire.
FALL RIVER, Mass., Dec. 18 - In the fire on the Staples Coal Company's wharf property, Davel Street, last night a large Chase elevator costing over $11,000 was practically rendered useless by falling across the stern of the three-masted schooner Elwood Marlow. Two-thirds of the longest coal shed, on the north side of Rodman's wharf will have to be torn down. The schooner Marlow is virtually a wreck, the flames having spread to her rigging.

Beyond a general idea of the losses, the officials of the company cannot give, as yet, definite figures showing the amount of damage done. At first cost of property, it will necessitate a reimbursement of fully $50,000 from various insurance companies.
The New York Times
New York, New York
December 19, 1892

1894 - Wages Reduced
The effect of two years of democratic ascendency has materialized in the great manufacturing city of Fall River, Mass. The Cotton Manufacturers' Association, of that city, voted almost unanimously to reduce wages. The reduction will average from 10 to 12 1/ 2 per cent, according to the departments in which 25,000 operatives of the city are employed. - Herald
The Daily Democrat
Huntington, Indiana
August 10, 1894

1895 - Fall River
Fall River, a city and port of entry of Bristol Co., Mass, is pleasantly situated on the E. bank of the Taunton River, at its mouth, and on Mount Hope Bay, which is the northeastern part of Narragansett Bay. By railroad it is 49 miles S. of Boston, 19 miles N.N.E. of Newport, and 18 miles S.E. of Providence, R.I. It is connected with these cities by the Old Colony Railroad and the Providence, Warren & Fall River Railroad, and with New Bedford (13 miles distant), by the Fall River & New Bedford Railroad. It is well built, having many buildings constructed of fine granite quarried in the vicinity. It contains 35 churches, 7 national banks, 4 savings-banks, a public library of 36,000 volumes, a high school, a convent, a handsome granite city hall, and a custom-house. Three daily and 7 weekly newspapers are published here. Large steam packets ply daily between Fall River and New York. Its prosperity is mainly derived from manufactures of cotton, nails, machinery, and other products; it... Read MORE...

1896 - Weavers Strike
FALL RIVER, Mass., May 18 - All the weavers of the Hargraves & Parker mills struck to-day, in accordance with a vote passed last week. The cause of trouble is given as the "general dissatisfaction with prices paid for weaving."
The Wilmington Messenger
Wilmington, North Carolina
May 19, 1896

1896 - Fall River, Mass., Mills.
Fall River, Mass., October 13. - The American linen mills started yesterday afternoon after a week's shut down on account of a breakdown. The Robeson mill is still stopped. The Metacomet stopped Saturday for an indefinite period and the Fall River manufactory will stop Saturday for an unknown time. Nothing is known regarding the course of the big mills.
The Atlanta Constitution
Atlanta, Georgia
October 14, 1896

1904 - ENDANGERS THOUSANDS - Mill Proprietors at Fall River, Mass., May Decide to Close their Mills - 40,000 Employees
Fall River, Mass., May 3. - Reports from many of the corporations which have been shutting down their cotton mills two days each week indicate that the curtailment of the past month has been largely disappointing in its results. Some of the manufacturers favor a complete shutdown of all the mills here unless relieve is shortly forthcoming from purchasers. The operatives are showing symptoms of uneasiness. A shutdown will not be considered, however, until the present plan has been tried out further.

Advices from other mill towns also indicate a slow demand for goods and that the curtailment movement is extending. The number of empolyes in New England already affected is estimated at 40,000.
Eau Claire Wisconsin Leader
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
May 4, 1904

1904 - Wages to Be Reduced
Fall River, Mass., July 14. - It was practically settled today that a general reduction of wages in the cotton mills of fall River would be ordered to take effect July 25. It is expected the proposed reduction will average 121 1/ 2 [sic] per cent. More than 25,000 operatives will be affected.
Lawrence Daily Journal
Lawrence, Kansas
July 14, 1904

1908 - KILLS HERSELF AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN
Mother Turns on Gas in Kitchen of Home While Husband is Asleep Up Stairs.

FALL RIVER, Mass., March 22. - Mrs. Joseph Terrien, twenty-five years of age, killed herself and her two small children with illuminating gas in the kitchen of their home here early this morning.

The husband was awakened by the odor of gas and going into the kitchen found his wife dead on the floor with a crucifix in her hand. Wrapped in blankets near her were the bodies of Mary, aged four years, and a baby boy. Two gas jets and the cocks of the gas range were turned on full force...
The Scranton Republican
Scranton, Pennsylvania
March 23, 1908

1913 - MANY IN CLOTH STEAL
Fall River (Mass.) Mills Systematically Robbed by Operatives.
Fall River, Mass., Nov. 28. - Investigation into alleged wholesale thefts from the American Printing company and the Algonquin Printing company has resulted in the arrest of twenty-four operatives in those plants and the seizure of a ton of cloth.

In three tenement houses 8,000 yards of goods were found. Some of the smaller stores in the neighborhood yielded up several thousand more yards. Officials of the American Printing company said they had been missing cloth for a number of years and estimated their loss into the thousands of dollars. Four months ago they place private detectives in their plants as operatives. These men learned, they said, that operatives took away cloth in dinner pails and wrapped around their bodies. One man, it is claimed, even drove up to the mill after hours and carried away goods in trunks and boxes.
The Indiana Gazette
Indiana, Pennsylvania
November 28, 1913

1916
Fall River, a city and port of entry of Bristol co., Mass., is pleasantly situated on the E. bank of the Taunton River, at its mouth, and on Mount Hope Bay, which is the northeastern part of Narragansett Bay. It is on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 49 miles S. by W. of Boston, and 18 miles SE. of Providence, R.I. It has many buildings constructed of fine granite quarried in the vicinity, prominent among them being the handsome city-hall. Fall River contains a public library of upward of 70,000 volumes, Notre Dame College, custom-house, the Fall River Training School, the Bradford Durfee Textile School, the Fall River Conservatory of Music, etc. Large steamboats ply regularly between Fall River and New York, Providence, and Newport. Its prosperity is mainly derived from manufactures of cotton, thread, woollens, bobbins and shuttles, rubber, rope, wire, machinery, iron- and brass-foundry products, soap, etc. It is specially noted for its cotton- factories, which operate nearly ... Read MORE...

1916 - $2,000,000 FIRE AT FALL RIVER
Apartment Hotel and Retail Stores Razed in Massachusetts Town

FALL RIVER, Mass., Feb. 16. - Estimates by owners of property and proprietors of stores in the business district, swept by fire early today indicate that the total loss would be approximately $2,000,000. A score of buildings including and apartment hotel and several of the largest retail stores in the city were destroyed and many others were damaged.

Police and firemen were unable to put forward any theory as to the probable origin of the fire. It started in the basement of a four-story brick building at the corner of South Main and Spring streets, occupied by the department store of the Steiger company. Help was called from New Bedford, Taunton and Newport, R. I...
The Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield, California
February 16, 1916

1918 - Fall River and the Influenza Epidemic of 1918-1919
"In a sense, Fall River was caught between the anvil and the stone in the fall of 1918. Boston – epicenter of the influenza epidemic – was just 50 miles away, while Newport, Rhode Island and its naval stations was even closer, a scant 22 miles. Personnel from military installations near both cities regularly paid visits to Fall River, and it was through such visits that influenza was brought to the city: of the first five cases reported to the Fall River Board of Health on September 16, two were soldiers on leave from Camp Devens and two were from the Boston Navy Yard...

...In a little over a week there were 602 reported cases of influenza in Fall River and 17 deaths due to the disease...

...Influenza clung tenaciously to Fall River throughout the rest of the winter, although fortunately it caused only a handful of additional deaths. The overall toll of the epidemic on the city was staggering, however. Between September 16 and the end of 1918, 11,707 cases of influenza were... Read MORE...

1926 - Baptist Temple Burned At Fall River Today
Fall River, Mass., April 14, - (AP) - The Baptist Temple, situated in the center of the city, was destroyed by fire early today with loss estimated at $1,000,000. Captain James Dallagher of the city fire department, was injured when a wooden cupola fell and was taken unconscious to a hospital.

The fire originated in the basement of the three-story brick building under the auditorium and spread rapidly. Two stores at the front of the building on the ground floor and offices above them suffered heavy damage, but the Temple, which was at the rear, was demolished. The building, owned by the Baptist Temple association, was renovated five years ago.
North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
April 14, 1926

1928 - FALL RIVER BUSINESS AREA BURNS. SIX BLOCKS DESTROYED WITH LOSS EXCEEDING $15 MILLION. ENTIRE CITY MENACED. FIREMEN FROM AS FAR AS PROVIDENCE, BOSTON AID FIGHT.
Fall River, Mass., Feb. 3. (AP) - The business district of this city, one of New England's greatest mill centers, lays in ruins today. Only a few gaunt walls stood in an area of five blocks which was swept by fire last night and early this morning.

The loss was estimated by the Mayor and police chief as between $7,000,000 and $12,000,000. Some insurance men thought it might run as high as $25,000,000.

There was no loss of life. Several firemen and others were slightly injured by falling walls and the effects of smoke. Two thousand workers in offices, banks, hotels and stores were without employment today.

All Night Fight.
Starting at the corner of Pocasset and Main Streets, the flames swept northward to Bank Street and eastward to Rock Street. They destroyed three hotels, six banks, two theaters, a church, a newspaper plant and several office and store buildings.

Firemen from all cities and towns in the vicinity and from as far away as Providence and Boston helped in the... Read MORE...

1944 - HURRICANE HITS NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND COASTS. HIGH WINDS LASH JERSEY, LONG ISLAND.
...Nearly all of Fall River, in southeastern Massachusetts, was in darkness and the Eastern Mass. Railway ordered its busses off the streets. Numerous families were evacuated from shoreline homes...
The Troy Record
Troy, New York
September 15, 1944

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Fall River:
Lizzie Borden House: If you're a fan of true crime or just looking for a unique experience, visit the Lizzie Borden House. This historic house is where the infamous Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892. You can take a guided tour and learn about the fascinating history of the case.

Battleship Cove: Dive into military history at Battleship Cove, one of the largest collections of naval ships in the world. You can explore the USS Massachusetts, USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., and several other vessels. It's a great educational experience for both kids and adults.

Fall River Heritage State Park: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Taunton River at Fall River Heritage State Park. This scenic waterfront park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the Battleship Cove and Braga Bridge. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon.

Cook Pond: If you're into fishing or simply want a peaceful place to unwind, head to Cook Pond. This... Read MORE...