Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park!

What Is Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park?

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park showcases the waterfall that generated the power plant that ran America’s first planned industrial city!

What Makes It Historical?

Paterson was the brainchild of Alexander Hamilton, who wanted, more than anything, to give the United States economic (not just political) independence from Britain, and these powerful falls, directly between New York and Philadelphia, were just the ticket! In 1792, he teamed up with Charles L’Enfant and the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures to build a power plant on the 70-foot waterfall! Governor William Paterson signed their charter, lending his name to this bustling city!

Paterson sure exceeded expectations! Mills here produced the first cotton duck cloth used for sails, the first continuous sheet paper, Samuel Colt’s first revolver, and John Holland’s first practical submarine. The city became the world capital of cotton, silk, and locomotive production well into the 20th century, and because of this, it was also an important launching point for the labor rights movement!

How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?

Volunteer with the Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) program!
Donate to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park!
Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!

How Do I Get There?

65 McBride Ave
Paterson, NJ 07501
(Take Me There!)

When Should I Visit the Park?

The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, and I suggest you go during that time because Paterson has a reputation for sketchiness! Also, you should probably go in spring, summer, or fall, because the winter here is really cold!