The Massachusetts Mill Workers, Lowell National Historical Park

Why was Lowell a good place to build a textile mill?

• Located next to a fast moving river to provide power to run the mill

• It had good soil and a long growing season to grow food for its workers

• Lots of low paid immigrants were available to work there

• It really wasn't, the builders just got lucky

Why were farm girls attracted to work in the mill?

• Lack of other opportunities

• It was easier than farm work

• Many wanted to get married to male mill workers

• Lots of ability to move into higher paid work after working in the mill

What was a benefit to living in a crowded dormitory?

• Social contact that wasn't available on the farm and the opportunity to network and make new friends

• Access to social opportunities like after work parties

• Opportunities to build your immune system due to exposure to common illnesses

Who do the mill owners turn to when the women start to leave the mill and return to their homes?

• Irish immigrants

• Italian immigrants

• Enslaved labor

• Child labor

What killed the competitive advantage Lowell had earlier enjoyed?

• Steam power

• Computer operated mill machines

• Robots

• cell phones