Feel the spray on your face. Hear the roar. This is the Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson New Jersey.
The Great Falls are magnificent. They cascade 77 feet. They’re one of the largest waterfalls in the United States. For centuries these falls have powered industry and inspired artists.
Alexander Hamilton saw the potential. He envisioned a planned industrial city. The Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures or SUM was born. Paterson the first planned industrial city in America was founded here.
The Great Falls became the heart of this bustling town. Water powered cotton mills sprang up. Then came paper mills. Even the Colt revolver and the USS Holland submarine were linked to this place. The Phoenix Mill built in 1813 still stands. It’s the oldest structure in the historic district.
But progress wasn’t always smooth. Workers faced harsh conditions. The 1913 Paterson silk strike highlighted their struggle. Immigrants fought for better wages and working conditions. They became pioneers of the American labor movement.
The Great Falls continued its role. It provided power. It witnessed history. The roaring waters served as both a lifeblood and a backdrop to Paterson’s story. Today the area is protected. It’s a National Historical Park.
In 2016 a record 177000 visitors marveled at the Great Falls. People come from all over to experience its power and history. They want to appreciate the natural wonder that shaped a nation. Stand here and feel the energy. Let the power of the Great Falls inspire you. It’s a sight you’ll never forget.