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Fall River, MA

Frequently asked questions

Fall River, MA

Fall River is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. Fall River's population was 94,000 at the 2020 United States census, making it the tenth-largest city in the state. It straddles part of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island state line with Tiverton, RI to its south.

Located along the eastern shore of Mount Hope Bay at the mouth of the Taunton River, the city gained recognition during the 19th century as a leading textile manufacturing center in the United States. While the textile industry has long since moved on, its impact on the city's culture and landscape is still prominent. Fall River's official motto is "We'll Try", dating back to the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1843. Nicknamed The Scholarship City after Irving Fradkin founded Dollars for Scholars there in 1958, mayor Jasiel Correia introduced the "Make It Here" slogan as part of a citywide rebranding effort in 2017.

Fall River is known for the Lizzie Borden case, the Fall River cult murders, Portuguese culture, its numerous 19th-century textile mills, and Battleship Cove, home of the world's largest collection of World War II naval vessels (including the battleship USS Massachusetts). Fall River has its city hall located over an interstate highway.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 40.2 square miles (104.2 km2), of which 33.1 square miles (85.8 km2) is land and 7.1 square miles (18.4 km2), or 17.68%, is water.

Water power from the Quequechan River and natural granite helped form and shape Fall River into the city it is today. The Quequechan River once flowed through downtown unrestricted, providing water power for the mills and, in the last 1⁄2 mile (0.8 km) of its length, down a series of eight steep waterfalls falling 128 feet (39 m) into the Taunton River at the head of the deep Mount Hope Bay. Fall River and surrounding areas are located in the northeastern coastal forests, which make up the temperate broadleaf and mixed forest biome.

The city lies on the eastern border of Mount Hope Bay, which begins at the mouth of the Taunton River starting south from the Charles M. Braga Jr. Memorial Bridge. The greater portion of the city is built on hillsides rising quite abruptly from the water's edge to a height of more than 200 feet (60 m). From the summits of these hills, the terrain extends back in a comparatively level tableland, on which a large section of the city now stands.

Two miles (3 km) eastward from the shore lies a chain of deep and narrow ponds, eight miles (13 km) long, with an average width of three-quarters of a mile, and covering an area of 3,500 acres (14 km2). These ponds are supplied by springs and brooks, draining a watershed of 20,000 acres (81 km2). The northern pond is the North Watuppa Pond, the city's main reservoir. The southern pond is the South Watuppa Pond. The narrow strip of land where the two ponds meet is known as The Narrows. East of the North Watuppa Pond is the Watuppa Reservation, which includes several thousand acres of forestland for water supply protection that extends north into the Freetown-Fall River State Forest, and east to the Copicut Reservoir. Copicut Pond is located on the border of Dartmouth in North Dartmouth's Hixville section that borders Fall River. Copicut Hill, the highest point in Fall River, is located between North Watuppa Pond and the Copicut Reservoir. The hill has a summit elevation of greater than 404 feet (123 m) above sea level.

The Quequechan River breaks out of its bed in the west part of the South Watuppa Pond, just west of The Narrows, and flows through the city (partially underground in conduits) where it falls to a channel leading to what is now Fall River Heritage State Park at Battleship Cove on the Taunton River. The Quequechan River originally flowed unconfined over an almost level course for more than a mile. In the last half-mile (800 m) of its progress, it rushes down the hillside in a narrow, precipitous, rocky channel, creating the falls for which Fall River is named. At this distance the total fall is about 132 feet (40 m). and the volume of water is 122 cubic feet (3.5 m3) per second.

Fall River, MA places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Charlton Memorial Hospital provides a full range of inpatient services and out of all the hospitals in the Fall River area, is the only one to offer open heart surgery and elective coronary angioplasty. General Fitness has proper equipment which is versatile. They have a great mixture of old-school and state-of-the-art equipment to meet all fitness levels and goals. Enjoy a serene walk through Oak Grove Cemetery, known for its beautiful landscapes and historical gravestones. Enjoy a serene walk through Oak Grove Cemetery, known for its beautiful landscapes and historical gravestones. Engage in high-energy boxing and fitness classes at Onelife Fitness Strike Studio. Benefit from top-notch healthcare services at Saint Anne's Hospital, providing comprehensive medical care. Join Alignmentz Pilates Studio for invigorating Pilates sessions to improve strength and flexibility. Discover various health and wellness services available at Crunch Fitness, including athletic training, personal training, and health coaching.
 

Top Sites in Fall River, MA: Lizzie Borden House (A Bed and Breakfast & Museum), Battleship Cove, and Children's Museum of Greater Fall River.
 

Population: 93,682 (2022). ZIP Codes: 02720–02724. Area code: 508/774. Elevation: 72 ft (37 m). Area: 40.24 sq mi (104.22 km2).

FAQs

What is Fall River, MA famous for?

Fall River is known for the Lizzie Borden case, the Fall River cult murders, Portuguese culture, its numerous 19th-century textile mills, and Battleship Cove, home of the world's largest collection of World War II naval vessels (including the battleship USS Massachusetts). Fall River has its city hall located over an interstate highway. Fall River retains a vibrant mix of cultures that date back to its time as an immigration hub. While the distinct ethnic neighborhoods formed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries have changed over the years, the legacy of immigrants who came to work in the mills can be found in the various parishes and restaurants throughout the city. This heritage is commemorated by the 19 flags that make up the "Banners of Allegiance" at Gromada Plaza.

Is Fall River, MA a good place to live?

An idyllic small city in the Providence metro area, Fall River, MA, is quintessential New England: a textile mill history, beautiful foliage in the fall, and, of course, a mysterious murder trial that people still talk about over 100 years later. To top off all of this exciting history and culture, another thing that makes Fall River one of the best places to live in the U.S. is its proximity to higher-ed institutions like Bristol Community College and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Fall River is one of the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts and has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in the state. The median home value is just $363,887. Residents of this cozy city also have access to ample outdoor spaces. 

Why do they call it Fall River, MA?

Fall River was originally inhabited by the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe of the Pokanoket Nation. From the Pocasset people’s ancient presence in the area to their significant contributions to the region’s history, their influence can be seen in the city’s art, traditions, and even local place names. The “falling” river that the name Fall River refers to is the Quequechan River (pronounced “Quick-a-shan” by locals). Quequechan is a Wampanoag word believed to mean “Falling River” or “Leaping/Falling Waters.”

Sources

City of Fall River

Wikipedia

Viva Fall River

Lizzie Borden House (A Bed and Breakfast & Museum)

Battleship Cove

Children's Museum of Greater Fall River

Charlton Memorial Hospital

General Fitness FR

Oak Grove Cemetery

Onelife Fitness Strike Studio

Saint Anne's Hospital

Alignmentz Pilates Studio

Crunch Fitness

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