Both rivers played active roles in the Industrial Revolution and the history of Rhode Island in the 19th century.

250 years ago, the river flowed into what was called "The Great Salt Cove," just a little below where Rising Sun Dam now stands.

The western end of the Great Salt Cove was near where Atwells Avenue now crosses Route 6.

The area now known as Federal Hill in Providence was an important meeting place along the river for bands of the Narragansett and Wampanoag tribes.

[citation needed] In addition to many unnamed tributaries, the following brooks and rivers feed the Woonasquatucket: