view south - southwest across the river from the top of Washington Mills ca. 1878. The relatively new Boston & Lowell train bridge (possibly still under construction) visible on the right near where the Central bridge will go in another 50 years. The falls bridge (behind M&L train bridge) is visible in the distance and the Methodist Episcopal church (St. Patrick's Parish center later) at 132 Parker St. can be seen in the distance on the left, not much for mills or even the south canal on the southside yet.
The full detail of the photo can be seen here
https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth:hx11xk810