 In 1974, Lowell Heritage State Park was founded, and in 1978, Lowell National Historical Park was created as an urban national park, through legislation filed by Lowell native, congressman, and later senator Paul Tsongas.The canal system, many mills, and some commercial structures downtown were saved by the creation of the park and the visitors it brought.The Massachusetts Miracle brought new jobs and money to the city in the 1980s.