Click here for content developed as part of the commemorative activities marking the 175th Anniversary of the opening of the Blackstone Canal, October 2003.
Click here for content developed as part of the commemorative activities marking the 175th Anniversary of the opening of the Blackstone Canal, October 2003.
Highway of Commerce: The Blackstone Canal
Industrial Worcester
Cargo & People
The Blackstone Canal was intended principally as a means of moving freight. For human transport, it could not compete with the Worcester-to-Providence stage, which departed promptly at 8:00 a.m. and arrived at 5:00 p.m., without risk of being stranded along the way by shallow waters. Canal boats took 14 hours and required overnight stays, either in a tavern on shore or on the boat.
The Lady Carrington, however, found a niche running special excursions. It carried many gentlemen and ladies to Worcester from all parts to attend the annual Agricultural Fair. On June 3, 1829, the Massachusetts Spy reported:
The Canal Packet Boat, Carrington, will leave the Lock opposite the Friends' Meeting House in Northbridge, on Friday morning, June 12, at 7 o'clock, precisely, and will arrive in Providence the same evening, for the purpose of accommodating passengers who attend the Friends' Yearly Meeting in Newport, or any others.
Several weeks later, the paper promoted its use, writing:
The Carrington
is fitted up in good style for passengers, and will continue to run occasionally,
as the patronage extended to her may warrant. This will afford a pleasant
and comfortable conveyance for invalids who desire to travel or to take the
sea air; and to parties wishing to visit Providence and Newport, and view
the beautiful scenery of the Narraganset Bay, it will be a great advantage.
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