Our History
Alexander Hamilton and Paterson
Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played a pivotal role in the establishment of Paterson, New Jersey, as part of his vision for America’s economic independence. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton sought to transform the young nation into a manufacturing powerhouse, reducing reliance on European imports and fostering self-sufficiency.
In 1791, Hamilton founded the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (S.U.M.), an organization aimed at creating a hub of industrial innovation. He chose the site of Paterson, named after New Jersey Governor William Paterson, due to its proximity to the Great Falls of the Passaic River. The Great Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the United States, captivated Hamilton with its immense power and potential as a source of energy for factories
Hamilton envisioned harnessing the falls to drive the machinery needed for textile production and other industries. This plan was groundbreaking, marking one of the first attempts in the U.S. to combine natural resources with industrial development on a large scale. Although the early years of the S.U.M. were fraught with challenges, Paterson eventually grew into a thriving industrial city, earning the nickname “Silk City” for its prominence in textile production.
Hamilton’s admiration for the Great Falls and his foresight in using it as the cornerstone of American industry highlight his ingenuity and commitment to building a robust economic foundation for the new nation. Today, the Great Falls remains a symbol of Hamilton’s legacy and is preserved as part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
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