Lowell Massachusetts

The entire state of Massachusetts is extremely historical – not only is it one of the first settled areas in the country, but it also is the birthplace of everything from political movements to manufacturing and industry. Whereas Boston gets most of the attention in the state, the fact of the matter is that no matter where you go you’re going to find something of interest – New England as a whole is too historical to assume that the museums stop at Boston!

Lowell is one of the lesser-known but extremely historical cities in this area of the country. Whereas Boston is often credited with being the birthplace of the American Revolution, Lowell is credited with kick starting the Industrial Revolution. While the Industrial Revolution may have been slightly less poetic than the fight for independence, it was no less important in the formation of the Untied States being the intellectual and manufacturing powerhouse it is in the modern day arena – and it all started in Lowell.

Lowell is the fourth largest city in Massachusetts, following Boston, Worcester, and Springfield. It is a hub for historical and cultural information, as shown by the large amount of museums that can be found within the city’s perimeter. Most of the museums here are somehow focused around manufacturing, as this is the city’s historical identity – The American Textile History Museum is to be found here, as is the National Streetcar Museum and the New England Quilt Museum. All of these are tributes to the manufacturing might of the area. Many of the old lofts and factors have been converted into art studios in order to best support the city’s strong connection to the visual arts – be sure to check out 119 Gallery, Ayer Lofts, and Western Avenue Studios to see what some of the most creative minds in America have on display.

Lowell is also rife with festivals and celebrations, no matter what the season. The most notable ones are the Lowell Folk Festival in July, and May’s Doors Open Lowell, which celebrates the city’s unique architectural heritage.

Come to Lowell and check out some of the cogs that turned America into the massively productive entity that it is today.