A Big Splash of History at Paterson Great Falls
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is where history, nature, and innovation collide. From Alexander Hamilton’s dream of an industrial city to the power of water shaping America’s future, this spot has it all. On my visit, the falls weren’t as mighty as they often are, with New Jersey experiencing a drought. It was a stark reminder of how climate change impacts not just the beauty of our National Parks but also the ecosystems and communities connected to them.
Exploring National Parks gives us more than Instagram-worthy photos—it offers a chance to better understand how changes in our environment ripple through history, nature, and innovation. With help from some amazing experts, I dove into the story behind the falls, picked up some incredible photography tips, and reflected on the balance between preservation and change.
A great view of the Great Falls in the fall.
Hamilton’s Big Idea
Alexander Hamilton wasn’t just about writing the Federalist Papers, creating the Treasury, and rapping. Nope—he was also a city planner. In 1791, he founded Paterson as the first planned industrial city in the U.S., envisioning it as a powerhouse of production fueled by the Great Falls.
Insight from Ike Welsh, American History Teacher:
“Industrial innovation begins to take root at emerging centers of production in our new nation. Paterson Great Falls is a profound example of the transformative use of water power for the development of the factory system.”
Did You Know? Paterson was nicknamed "Silk City" because, by the 1840s, it produced 50% of the silk used in the United States. Fancy!
Photo Tip: Get low and use a slight upward angle to give statues like Hamilton’s a sense of grandeur. Photographer Emily Feinsod suggests keeping the background proportional to your subject: “Don’t angle up too much, or the doll might look distorted.”
“Industrial innovation begins to take root at emerging centers of production in our new nation. Paterson Great Falls is a profound example of the transformative use of water power for the development of the factory system.”
Alexander Hamilton’s statue at Paterson Great Falls.
The City of Paterson proudly displays its roots—founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1792, with the Great Falls at its heart.
Standing in Awe of the Falls
At 77 feet tall, the Great Falls are one of the largest waterfalls in the U.S. by volume—and they powered Paterson’s rise as an industrial hub. Watching the water rush over the cliff is mesmerizing, a constant reminder of nature’s power and beauty. But what makes these falls truly remarkable is their role in history. This wasn’t just a scenic spot; it was the beating heart of Alexander Hamilton’s vision for economic independence. By channeling the immense energy of the falls through the raceway system, Paterson became the birthplace of America’s first planned industrial city.
Standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of the factories that once hummed with activity. The falls didn’t just shape Paterson—they shaped the nation, fueling industries that helped lay the foundation for America’s growth as a global power. And while the falls may not have been as mighty during this visit due to the ongoing drought, it served as a stark reminder of how interconnected we are with nature and the importance of protecting these resources for future generations.
Photo Tip: Position your subject (in this case, the dolls) in the foreground while keeping the falls prominent in the background. As Emily says, “Crouch down to get on your doll’s level and experiment with how much background you include.” Don’t forget to adjust for natural light, especially when capturing the shimmer of the water!Expert Photography Tips from Emily Feinsod
Emily specializes in families and newborns (she knows all about capturing small subjects), shared her top tips for photographing dolls:
Get Low: “Instead of looking down, get to the doll’s level for a more natural perspective.”
Avoid Distortion: “If the background is too large, back up or adjust your angle. Angling up too much can make the doll look distorted.”
Control the Frame: “Move yourself forward or backward depending on how much background you want to include.”
These tips were so helpful during my visit to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. Whether we were snapping photos of the dolls with Hamilton’s statue or the falls themselves, Emily’s advice helped us create balanced, eye-catching shots.
The stunning Paterson Great Falls, a natural wonder and the powerhouse behind America’s first planned industrial city.
Taking in the view from afar—Paterson Great Falls blends natural beauty with historic importance.
A waterfall in the middle of a city in New Jersey? Who’d have thought it?!
Exploring the Raceways
Hamilton’s vision came to life with the construction of an intricate raceway system, channeling water from the Great Falls to power the factories that put Paterson on the map. These raceways, still visible today, are a testament to the ingenuity that fueled America’s industrial growth and transformed the falls into a powerhouse for innovation.
In the early 20th century, Paterson’s industrial evolution reached a new milestone with the construction of a hydroelectric plant near the falls. This plant harnessed the same water power that had driven the city’s early factories, using it to generate electricity for the growing industrial needs of the region. The hydroelectric plant, with its iconic brick facade and distinctive architecture, remains a symbol of the city’s commitment to progress through innovation. Today, it stands as both a historic landmark and a reminder of the role Paterson played in pioneering renewable energy technologies.
Did You Know? The raceways became a model for water-powered industry across the country.
The historic hydroelectric plant at Paterson Great Falls stands as a reminder of the ingenuity that powered America’s first planned industrial city.
Talking with a Park Ranger
Park rangers know all the best stories—and Michael Perez Robles is no exception. “Without this first planned city,” he explained, “we wouldn’t have a lot of the things we do now. This area played a pivotal role in making products like silk for the entire nation.”
Ranger Insight: Michael also shared that many locals have deep ties to Paterson’s history. “It’s more than just the falls—it’s about the families and stories connected to this place.”
Photo Tip: Don’t forget to ask a ranger for a photo! Their passion for the park shines through, and their uniforms add a fun pop of color to your shots. I mean, and the iconic hats!
Did You Know? The Great Falls has some serious credentials! It was named a Natural Landmark in 1967 and a National Historic Landmark in 1976 (and yep, President Gerald Ford himself came to the ceremony). Fast forward to 2009, and it got an upgrade—becoming a full-on National Historical Park. By 2016, the falls were pulling in over 177,000 visitors. Talk about a must-see spot!
““Without this first planned city, we wouldn’t have a lot of the things we do now. This area played a pivotal role in making products like silk for the entire nation.””
Park Ranger Michael Perez Robles shares the rich history of Paterson Great Falls, connecting nature to America’s industrial roots.
A Final Look at the Falls
Paterson Great Falls isn’t just a breathtaking place to visit—it’s a reminder of the ways nature and history intertwine. From Alexander Hamilton’s bold vision to the power of water shaping America’s future, this park is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the beauty of our natural world.
But on this visit, the falls weren’t as mighty as usual, thanks to a drought impacting New Jersey. It’s a striking example of how climate change affects not only the beauty of places like Paterson but also the ecosystems, industries, and communities connected to them. Exploring National Parks gives us a chance to see these changes firsthand—and inspires us to take steps to protect these incredible places for future generations.
So, whether you're a history lover, a nature enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the serenity of a waterfall, Paterson Great Falls offers a chance to reflect, learn, and act. Let’s honor the stories these parks tell—and the responsibility we share to preserve them.
What’s your favorite National Park, and how has it inspired you? Share in the comments, and follow along for more adventures with our dolls exploring parks and historic sites across the country!
