Great Falls was added to Your Favorites!
Paterson, New Jersey
Claim this place to tell your story your way.
Great Falls in Paterson, New Jersey, is the second largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi River, after Niagara Falls.
Alexander Hamilton envisioned the falls as a power source for the nation's first planned industrial city, leading to Paterson's establishment in 1792.
In 2009, Great Falls was designated as a National Historical Park, recognizing its significance in America's industrial development.
The majestic beauty of Great Falls has inspired numerous artists, including the famous painter Thomas Moran.
The Great Falls served as a backdrop in the 1995 film 'The Preacher's Wife,' starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.
The surrounding parkland of Great Falls provides a habitat for various bird species and other wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.
The falls were formed approximately 13,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, as retreating glaciers shaped the Passaic River's path.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Paterson was known as the 'Silk City' due to its thriving silk industry, powered by the falls.
In 1913, the Paterson Silk Strike, a significant labor movement, took place near the falls, advocating for better working conditions.
