The Rhode Island Locomotive Works operated from 1865-1901, at which point it merged with 7 other locomotive manufacturers to form the American Locomotive Company (ALCO). Over 4,000 steam locomotives were constructed by the works, many of which were posed right here for pictures above the Woonasquatucket River before being sent out into the world. The Rhode Island works ceased production of locomotives in 1907, although it continued to produce automobiles for ALCO until 1913. The property was sold to the nearby US Rubber Company in 1918.
In 2006 a major project began to renovate this block on Valley St, and was able to install 2 giant neon signs, but was less than half complete when it ended in foreclosure in 2009. The 5 buildings completed as part of the original ALCO plan mostly hold office spaces. In 2013 a new developer came in to renovate the remainder of the US Rubber Company buildings into residential housing. There is a charming little public walkway along the river between these two properties. It is an Urban Coastal Greenway (as mandated by RI law) and separate from the WRG / bike path that follows the river from Johnston to downtown Providence. Beware of muggles as this path is visited frequently by nearby residents, and watch your step!
Parking & Additional Info:
You may park in the ALCO lots for short amounts of time, and street parking is available on Hemlock St (heading north). Night caching is not prohibited, but if you are poking around in the dark with a flashlight you may find yourself in a harmless encounter with a security guard.