Woonasquatucket River

Woonasquatucket River
Location
CountryUnited States
StateRhode Island
CountyProvidence
Physical characteristics
Source 
  locationNorth Smithfield, Rhode Island
Mouth 
  location
Providence River
  coordinates
41°49′36″N 71°24′36″W / 41.8267°N 71.4100°W / 41.8267; -71.4100
Length15.8 mi (25.4 km)
Basin size130 km2 (50 sq mi)

The Woonasquatucket River (pronounced /wˈnɑːskwəˌtʌkɪt/ woo-NAH-skwə-TUK-it, Algonquian for "where the salt water ends"), sometimes called "the Woony", is a river in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It flows approximately 15.8 miles (25.4 km) and drains a watershed of 130 km2 (50 sq mi).

Together with the Blackstone River to the north, the Woonasquatucket was designated an American Heritage River in 1998. Both rivers played active roles in the Industrial Revolution and the history of Rhode Island in the 19th century. Evidence of this industrial history remains in the fact that there are 18 dams along the river's length.