Passaic Falls

I took a trip to Clifton with my dad. We stopped in Paterson to see the Passaic Falls or sometimes called the Great Falls. My dad grew up near Paterson and told me a lot of history of the Passaic Falls.

The Great Falls of the Passaic River is the second largest falls in the east coast of the United States. I was astonished to find this out, since I never even knew that the Falls existed before my dad told me about it. It is also the birth place of the industrial revolution in the United States. The Passaic Falls is sometimes called the “Cradle of American Industry”. Alexander Hamilton observed the Falls and realized that the Falls could be used as a source of energy. This was the start of urban planning which allowed industries to run more efficiently by using the water fall. Hamilton believed that all cities should be planned like Paterson and felt that if America was based on Paterson, America would become a world power. I was surprised to learn that this water fall was at the center of the start of a new era in our country and it is only about 30 minutes from where I live.

Not only does the Falls have so much history, it is also very beautiful and impressive. When I was little, the Passaic River bordered my day camp and we canoed on the river. It surprised me that this calm river turns into this giant water fall. I also found it fascinating that this amazing natural landmark was in the middle of an urban community. However, it makes sense that this urban city was built on and thrived on the energy created by the Falls. The Paterson Falls is an incredible natural landmark of New Jersey.