The power canal was a major factor in the Industrial revolution in New England in the 19th century. Most early power canals were mill races used mechanically to transfer power directly from falling water to machinery in mill buildings. Later, the hydraulic power generated electricity locally for the same mill factories.
The power canal played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution in New England during the 19th century. Initially, most early power canals were utilized as mill races to mechanically transfer energy from falling water to machinery within mill structures. Subsequently, the hydraulic power produced electricity locally for the same mill factories.