The first mill to operate on this site was established by the Groton Manufacturing Co. in 1831. The mill employed about 250 hands and ran 12,464 spindles and 440 looms.
It was built by John W. Buffum and bore his name for a number of years. After the construction of a second building, the property came to be called Law's Mill in honor of George Law, who served as superintendent and manager for many years. It was alternatively called Smith's Mill, after owner and leading textile investor James Smith. Smith would go on to serve as mayor of Providence from 1855-1857 and governor of Rhode island from 1863-1866.
Image courtesy of the Osher Map Library
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Era Name
Era 1: 1800-1849