Summary
Introduction to Great Falls
The Great Falls in Paterson, New Jersey is a breathtaking natural wonder measuring 300 feet wide and 77 feet high. This magnificent waterfall can propel up to two billion gallons of water each day over its edge. While its natural beauty captivates visitors, its rich historical context has earned it National Historic Park and Landmark status.
Historical Significance
The historical roots of the Great Falls extend back to Alexander Hamilton, who was instrumental in establishing America’s economic independence. In 1791, Hamilton founded the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures (S.U.M.) which led to the establishment of Paterson in 1792, specifically recognizing the falls as a crucial power source for America’s first planned industrial city.
Industrial Innovations
Hamilton enlisted architect Pierre L’Enfant, known for his designs in Washington D.C., aiming to create canals and raceways to power local watermills. However, the S.U.M. deemed L’Enfant’s elaborate plans too ambitious and replaced him with Peter Colt. Colt’s simpler reservoir system successfully channeled water to the mills, paving the way for significant industrial achievements. Notably, Paterson was home to the first water-powered cotton spinning mill in 1793, the Colt Revolver in 1836, and the Holland Submarine in 1878.
Preservation Efforts
In 1945, the assets of the S.U.M. were sold to the City of Paterson. Subsequently, in 1971, the Great Falls Preservation and Development Corporation was formed to advocate for the protection and restoration of the historic raceways and mill buildings. The Phoenix Mill, the oldest extant mill in the historic district, is located at Van Houten and Cianci Streets and tells a part of this fascinating history.
Visiting Tips
The Great Falls became the country’s 397th national park on November 7, 2011. Today it continues to generate power for local residents and businesses through the Great Falls power station, which produces approximately 30 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually.
Visitors can enjoy the views at Overlook Park (72 McBride Avenue) and explore the Great Falls Historic District Cultural Center located at 65 McBride Avenue. The Paterson Museum at 2 Market Street also offers a glimpse into the local history.
For those looking to enrich their visit, options include downloading the Mill Mile app for a guided audio tour or checking out this live webcam of the Great Falls: Live Webcam.
