Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Driving back from an event in New Jersey, I spotted the familiar brown National Park sign for Great Falls of Paterson. Recognizing that unmistakable marker, I asked Marty to pull off the highway for a newer national park.

What we found was the Great Falls of the Passaic River plunging about 77 feet. We learned beyond the beauty of the falls lies a significant chapter of early American history.

In 1791, Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of Treasury, envisioned using the power of the river to fuel American industry and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturing. Peterson became one of the country’s first planned industrial cities. A system of raceways diverted water from the falls to power mills that produced textiles, silk and firearms. By the late 19th century, Paterson was known as “Silk City” and its mills helped drive the American Industrial Revolution.

The site was officially designated a National Historical Park in 2009 and signed into law by Barack Obama. The site was recognized for both the natural power of the falls and their role in shaping the nation’s economy.

History hides in plain sight. A brown sign along the highway and a decision to pull over led us to this site. Exploration is not always carefully planned; sometimes it begins with curiosity. These unplanned stops often lead to a deeper understanding of how water, vision and industry helped shape a young nation.