Fall River, MA

postal town in Bristol Co, MA, 51 miles south of Boston.  It lies on the outlet of Watuppa pond, a considerable body of water, which passes through Fall river into the Taunton, affording a good and constant water power.  Along this stream are numerous mills and factories of cotton, wool, machinery &c, which produce articles to a large amount.  Having a good harbor at the entrance of Taunton river into Bristol bay, its commerce is considerable.  Ships of a large class, engaged in both the whale-fishery and foreign trade, anchor at its wharves.  Besides manufactories, the town contains churches, banks, hotels, and school of a superior order.  There is a line of splendid steamboats running daily between this place and New York, and the Fall River railroad connects it with Boston.

Population in 1840 was 9,000, in 1850 was 11,524