Woonsocket, RI

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Woonsocket, Rhode Island: Before the arrival of European settlers in northern Rhode Island during the 17th century, today’s Woonsocket region was inhabited by three Native American tribes — the Nipmucs (Cowesett), Wampanoags, and Narragansetts.  In 1661, the English theologian Roger Williams purchased the area from the “Coweset and Nipmucks,” and in a letter referred to modern day Woonsocket as “Niswosakit.” Other possible derivations to the name include several Nipmuc geographic names from nearby Massachusetts. These include Woonksechocksett, from Worcester County meaning “fox country,” and Wannashowatuckqut, also from Worcester County, meaning “at the fork of the river”. Another theory states Woonsocket derives from “thunder mist,” in reference to the largest waterfall on the Blackstone River, which lies at the center of the city. However, another theory proposes the city was named after Woonsocket Hill in neighboring North Smithfield. The term “thunder mist” is used by several local businesses, including Thundermist Health Center. There is also a series of novellettes titled “Thundermist” (Thundermist 04167 and A Week Without Sunshine) by local author David Lafleche.

Woonsocket’s fortunes expanded in the 19th century as Industrial Revolution took root in nearby Pawtucket. With the Blackstone River providing ample water power, the region became a prime location for textile mills. Woonsocket was officially incorporated as a town in 1867 with the integration of three villages, and it was incorporated as city in 1888 following the integration of three additional industrial villages.

After the Great Depression, the local textile industry closed. The city’s fortunes were revived in World War II, when it became a center of fabric manufacturing for the war effort. In the postwar years, the Woonsocket economy adjusted to a mix of manufacturing, retail, technology and financial services operations.

The city is the corporate headquarters of CVS Caremark, a leading integrated pharmacy services provider. It is also home to Landmark Medical Center, St John the Baptist Union, the Museum of Work and Culture and the American-French Genealogical Society. Woonsocket’s oldest radio station, WOON (originally WWON), signed on in 1946 & continues to provide local service to Woonsocket. Its former sister station WWON-FM is now hip-hop radio station WWKX 106.3 “Hot 106″ is licensed to broadcast from Woonsocket. Radio Station WNRI, established in 1954, broadcasts 24 hours daily (albeit on a limited nighttime signal of 18 watts) from its Diamond Hill Road studios.

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