West River (Rhode Island) Explained

The West River is a river in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It flows approximately [1] and is the only named tributary of the Moshassuck River. It has a history of providing water to textile mills during the Industrial Revolution as evidenced by the 7 dams along the river's length.[2]

Course

The West River rises on the town line between Lincoln and Smithfield from a few small streams that originate in the vicinity of Lantern Road. The West River then flows southward, past Twin River Road and into Wenscott Reservoir. Below the reservoir, the river meanders east-southeast through North Providence and into Providence where it flows into the Moshassuck River north of downtown.

Crossings

Below is a list of all crossings over the West River. The list starts at the headwaters and goes downstream.

Tributaries

Angell Brook is the West River's only named tributary, though it has many unnamed streams that also feed it.

See also

References

  1. U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The National Map, accessed April 1, 2011
  2. http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/compinsp/pdf/damrep01.pdf Governor's Task Force on Dam Safety and Maintenance  - Final Report, January 2001