Our History
The Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (PAGR)
Historical Importance
Alexander Hamilton’s Vision
The Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson, NJ, were identified in the late 18th century as an ideal site for industrial development due to the power generated by the 77-foot waterfall.
Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, founded the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (SUM) in 1791 to harness the falls’ energy for industrial purposes. This made Paterson one of the first planned industrial cities in the United States.
The city became a center for industries such as textiles, locomotives, and silk production, earning it the nickname “Silk City.”
Cultural and Historical Legacy
Paterson played a key role in the Industrial Revolution in the U.S. It was a hub for innovation, attracting engineers and workers, and became home to diverse immigrant communities contributing to its industrial workforce. The area also has ties to labor movements and social reform, adding to its historical significance.
Path to Becoming a National Historical Park
Local Advocacy
Efforts to preserve the Great Falls and its surrounding industrial structures began in the mid-20th century. Local historians, community leaders, and preservationists advocated for federal recognition, emphasizing its significance in American industrial and labor history.
State and National Recognition:
In 1976, the Great Falls was designated as a National Natural Landmark.
In 1977, the Great Falls Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its historical and architectural significance.
Legislative Action
Advocacy for national park status gained momentum in the early 21st century, driven by New Jersey politicians, including Representative Bill Pascrell and Senator Frank Lautenberg, as well as national preservation organizations. Their efforts highlighted the need for federal support to preserve the site and educate the public about its role in American history.
Establishment as a National Historical Park
On March 30, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which included the designation of Paterson Great Falls as a National Historical Park. The legislation aimed to protect and manage the falls and the surrounding historic district as part of the National Park Service (NPS), ensuring its preservation and interpretation for future generations.
Current Role and Significance
Today, the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park serves as a testament to the nation’s early industrial heritage. It offers educational programs, walking tours, and exhibits that explore the history of industry, innovation, and labor in the United States, ensuring that the legacy of this historic site is preserved and appreciated.
We are forever grateful to Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr., Senator Frank Lautenberg, former Paterson Mayor Pat Kramer, and HPP Founder Leonard Zax for their unwavering support of not only the Paterson Great Falls but the City of Paterson.
“Paterson and its falls played an integral role in the industrial growth of our nation and in the lives of immigrants who labored in the mills and ultimately joined unions to seek better working conditions and pay,” said Secretary Salazar. “By establishing this park, we not only tell the story of Paterson but we also contribute to the economic growth of the city today by attracting visitors and supporting jobs in local communities.”
Recreation at national parks, refuges, and other public lands alone led to nearly $55 billion in economic contribution and 440,000 jobs in 2009, Salazar noted.
The agreement Secretary Salazar and Mayor Jones signed today will transfer property and establish easements that will fulfill the requirements of the law authorizing the establishment of the new national park, signed by President Obama in March 2009.
“This is an historic time for the Great Falls and my home city of Paterson,” said Senator Lautenberg. “With this designation, the Great Falls is America’s newest national historical park, and one of our nation’s most beautiful and historic landmarks will finally get the recognition it deserves. This new park will showcase the majesty of the falls and encourage more tourists, families, artists, students and businesses to come to Paterson and help strengthen this great city.”
“I’m incredibly proud, as a New Jerseyan and as the son of immigrants, to witness today’s declaration of Paterson Great Falls as a National Historic Park,” said Senator Menendez, who fought to get the legislation authorizing the new park approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “From the Great Falls through the raceways and waterwheels along the Passaic flowed the blood, sweat, and tears of the men and women who powered the industrial revolution and made this nation great. The park’s history is now part of the story of America.”
“The dedication that Secretary Salazar made today is much like the Great Falls – a testimony to the past work that has brought us to where we are today, and a promise of the rewards and achievements we have yet to realize,” said U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8), a former Paterson mayor who sponsored the legislation authorizing the new park. “Today marks a momentous occasion that will serve as the starting gun for the establishment of Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park. I truly believe that our prized natural and historic resource will one day be the crown jewel of the National Park System.”
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