A massive waterfall in Paterson, N.J., that helped to develop the city into an industrial powerhouse in the 19th century, is set to become the nation’s newest national park.
Paterson Great Falls, a National Natural Landmark since 1967, is one of the largest waterfalls in the country. Alexander Hamilton, who visited the 77-foot-tall falls in 1778, selected the site of the nation’s first planned industrial city.
The falls helped power a number of industries, including the Colt revolver and Rogers Locomotive and Machine Works, which built The General, the famed locomotive used in Georgia during the Civil War’s Andrews Raid. To harness the power of the falls, industries used a system of water raceways.
“Paterson Great Falls is a place rich with stories, from the powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution to the generations of immigrants who came here to make a better life for themselves and a stronger nation for their children,” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. “The National Park Service looks forward to telling those stories.”
Paterson Great Falls is the nation’s 397th national park
“Just as our Founding Father Alexander Hamilton envisioned using the power of our magnificent Great Falls to help create a self-sufficient new nation, I am envisioning the many possibilities that will present themselves for our city and our citizens,” said Paterson Mayor Jeffery Jones.
“Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park not only heralds our strong past, but more importantly offers Paterson the potential to take a step back in time with our feet firmly planted in the now,” Jones added. “Utilizing the examples of the historic use of the waterfall, and the surrounding areas, we can clearly visualize embracing alternative energy sources in the form of hydroelectric power, wind power and solar power to re-emerge as a leader in the American renewable energy revolution.”
