Boott Mills

[5] At Lowell, the Merrimack drops 9 metres (30 ft) over a distance of 2 kilometres (1.2 mi), thereby suitable to provide 7,460 kilowatts (10,000 hp).

Water had been diverted through canals and locks to enable navigation, and by a simple diversion the overflow could be used to power waterwheels.

Running off of hydropower, the original operation consisted of four gable-roofed brick mill buildings.

In the late 1970s, they became a key component of the Lowell National Historical Park, largely because the complex stood virtually whole, unlike other complexes which had suffered fires, or selective or wholesale demolition, like the older Merrimack Manufacturing Company.

The Boott Mills are now an example of adaptive re-use; they contain the Lowell National Historical Park Boott Cotton Mills Museum featuring a recreated weave room and other exhibits,[6] privately owned and managed residential housing,[7] and offices.