Great Falls of Paterson

by Marcia A. Dente

Overview

In 1778, the Great Falls became the Paterson area's natural energy source. The innovative hydraulic "Raceway" used an intricate network of canals to channel millions of gallons of water to power local mills and factories. In 1791, Alexander Hamilton helped to organize the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures, which aimed to develop a planned industrial city in the United States. Hamilton believed that the country needed to reduce its dependence on foreign goods and develop its own industries, and the falls were chosen as the site for the planned city. The industries in Paterson were powered by the 77-foot Great Falls, and the city became known as "The Cradle of American Industry." Today the falls are not only a national historic landmark and a state park, but on March 30, 2009, Pres. Barack Obama signed a bill creating Great Falls National Historical Park.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738573229
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	08/30/2010
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,093,184
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Marcia A. Dente worked for the City of Paterson for 45 years. In the 1970s, she assisted local public officials in promoting the falls and helped to create the Great Falls Festival. She has also held a lifelong interest in the development of Paterson.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 6

Introduction 7

1 The Beginning 9

2 Alexander Hamilton's Vision 21

3 S.U.M. 27

4 Great Falls Power Raceway System 37

5 Evolution of the Great Falls Hydroelectric Plant 51

6 Sam Patch, The Jersey Jumper 63

7 Mills, Revolvers, Locomotives, and a Submarine 69

8 Souvenir Postcards 101

9 Great Falls Festival 107

10 The Historic District 111

Bibliography 127