Dyeing the Cloth:
The Environmental History and Industrial
Archaeology of Lebanon Mills, Pawtucket RI

Ninian Stein

This thesis traces the environmental history and industrial archaeology of the Lebanon Mill Company site located at 10 Front Street in Pawtucket RI. Primary industrial activities at the site have been cotton cloth manufacturing, cotton underwear dyeing and manufacturing and jewelry manufacturing. Beginning with the history of the land and the people and businesses that occupied it, the central question considers the impact humans and industry have had on the land. Tools from standing building archaeology, as well as historical research and modern interviews are used to evaluate how these impacts have changed over time. Despite the hazardous chemicals handled by the modern owners of the site, a jewelry manufacturing firm, the current effects of industry on the surrounding environment appear to be lower than during the time of any of the previous companies. Reasons for this include the changeover from textiles to jewelry manufacturing, increasing governmental regulations, changing attitudes toward the local environment, and a variety of other factors. From early farming to modern manufacturing, understanding how humans have impacted this land, will aid in making decisions about its future.