Worcester's diverse industrial base attracted immigrants worldwide, growing ethnic neighborhoods and fueling rapid population growth.

Worcester, the "Heart of the Commonwealth", developed an extremely diverse industrial base. This diversity was a magnet for drawing immigrants from all parts of the world to work in the industries and resulted in the development of many ethnic neighborhoods. This immigration helped to fuel the growth that saw the city leap from 58,291 in 1880 to 179,754 in 1920.