Wind blows US Flag and surrounding area
Doesn't get more photogenic than this NPS Photo/ Terry McKenna

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

National Historic Site · New Jersey · National Park Service

Silk cloth and steam locomotives; textiles and continuous paper rolls; firearms and aircraft engines. What do these things have in common? All were manufactured in the same place - Paterson, NJ. In 1792, Paterson was established as America's first planned industrial city, centered around the Great Falls of the Passaic River. From humble mills rose industries that changed the face of the nation.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
973-523-0370
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

What's here

Highlights: Waterfalls

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Cultural Demonstrations · Food · Dining · Guided Tours · Junior Ranger Program

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12