A painting shows the town of Lowell as seen from a small hill. The town is built on level ground next to a river, behind a row of factory buildings that line the river. The area outside the town is green, with grass and bushes.

Question

Question
Use the image to answer the question.
Based on this early illustration of the town, what is one reason why Francis Lowell's partners might have chosen this area to build the factory town of Lowell?

(1 point)
Responses

A river ran through the location and could be used to power the factories.
A river ran through the location and could be used to power the factories.

There were few trees to clear so constructing the town would be fast and easy.
There were few trees to clear so constructing the town would be fast and easy.

The terrain was generally flat and could be used for growing cotton.
The terrain was generally flat and could be used for growing cotton.

The climate seemed mild so the workers in the factories would be less affected by weather conditions.

Answer 1

The most accurate response is:

A river ran through the location and could be used to power the factories.

This reason is significant because water power was a crucial resource for early industrial factories, and having a river nearby would have been a key factor in the decision to establish the town of Lowell for manufacturing purposes.