Paterson Great Falls:: From Local Landmark to National Historical Park

by Marcia Dente

Overview

The story of Paterson is the story of its Great Falls. European settlers were awed by the natural wonder that the Lenni-Lenape called Acquackanonk. Fulfilling Alexander Hamilton's vision, the Falls fueled Paterson's development into the leader of the nation's Industrial Revolution, powering mills and factories into the twentieth century. In 1967, the Great Falls became a National Natural Landmark and then a National Historic Landmark District in 1976. Finally, in 2011, the Falls was designated a National Historic Park. Join Patersonian Marcia Dente as she explores the beauty and industry of Paterson's Great Falls.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781609497255
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	09/04/2012
Series:	Landmarks
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	1,076,243
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Marcia Dente has lived and worked in Paterson, NJ for much of her life, and many of her endeavors have revolved around protecting and celebrating the Great Falls. In 1971, she collaborated with the Mayor's wife to establish the Great Falls Festival. She was the Supervisor of Accounts for the Department of Public Works for the city of Paterson (1977-2005), and during that time, and since then, she has been involved in many local events, including preservation efforts.

Table of Contents

Foreword Lawrence F. Kramer 7

Acknowledgements 9

Introduction 11

1 Acquackanonk: The Lenni Lenape and the Dutch 15

2 First Planned Industrial Center 25

3 Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures 34

4 Paterson's Raceway System 43

5 The Great Falls Power Plant 53

6 Growth of Industry Around the Falls 62

7 Silk City of the World and the Silk Strike of 1913 87

8 "The Jersey Jumper," Sam Patch 106

9 The Great Falls Festival 114

10 National Park Designation 120

Bibliography 133

Index 137

About the Author 141