RobMatthews
The Great Falls - Paterson, NJ
Alexander Hamilton (yes, the same Hamilton from the Broadway musical) conceived the idea of Paterson becoming America’s first planned industrial city in the 1780’s, just at the start of the industrial revolution. Hamilton saw the potential of harnessing the power of the Falls and his vision eventually transformed Paterson into an industrial powerhouse that produced textiles, locomotives, and the famous Colt revolvers of the old West. At one point Paterson became know as Silk City due to the volume of the silk the city produced. Today, many of these factories are now abandoned or are slowly being repurposed. The city is a prime example of industrial decay, and as the manufacturing industry declined, poverty crept in and crime rose. Paterson now has one of the highest crime rates in the nation, particularly for violent crime due to all of the gang activity. It is a sad tragedy to see a city with such a rich history fall into such decline. In 2009 the Great Falls were officially added to the US National Park system. Renovations are underway to improve the site to accommodate more visitors. Hopefully this will give a much needed boost to the city’s economy.
The Great Falls - Paterson, NJ
Alexander Hamilton (yes, the same Hamilton from the Broadway musical) conceived the idea of Paterson becoming America’s first planned industrial city in the 1780’s, just at the start of the industrial revolution. Hamilton saw the potential of harnessing the power of the Falls and his vision eventually transformed Paterson into an industrial powerhouse that produced textiles, locomotives, and the famous Colt revolvers of the old West. At one point Paterson became know as Silk City due to the volume of the silk the city produced. Today, many of these factories are now abandoned or are slowly being repurposed. The city is a prime example of industrial decay, and as the manufacturing industry declined, poverty crept in and crime rose. Paterson now has one of the highest crime rates in the nation, particularly for violent crime due to all of the gang activity. It is a sad tragedy to see a city with such a rich history fall into such decline. In 2009 the Great Falls were officially added to the US National Park system. Renovations are underway to improve the site to accommodate more visitors. Hopefully this will give a much needed boost to the city’s economy.