Fall River’s Tallest Structures Soares Above the Skyline

Fall River is a city that encompasses hilly terrain and scenic landscapes, making it feel like you're driving into the clouds the higher you go.

This is so notable that it coined the nickname "City of Seven Hills" due to the long stretch of hills and road from President Avenue, North Main Street, to the top of North Park.

Although this nickname can be controversial for some, the hills have made me curious about Fall River's tallest structures.

The tallest is a 415-foot wind turbine at the Philips Lighting Industrial Park on Airport Road that stands high into the Fall River skyline. Originally part of the Phillips Lighting manufacturing site before it closed in 2018, the turbine was designed to generate up to 70 percent of the facility's electricity.

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While this holds the record for the tallest structure in Fall River, a 121-foot Granite Water tower, known as the Sandpiper Tower, comes in right behind it.

Built in 1870, this tower was part of the city's efforts to create a water delivery system for mills, fire protection and residents. Its location on Bedford Street allows views that stretch over 30 miles, reaching past Providence to the central New England highlands.

What a breathtaking view that is to experience.

The complex housing the tower and the surrounding waterworks was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Like other landmarks in the city, these structures not only mark the city's highest points but also tell stories of Fall River's progress and history.

Like those hills, we can't escape in Fall River while driving; the tall structures remind me of that feeling of reaching the city's highest potential.