The Great Falls in Paterson

This natural wonder is the birthplace of the American industrial revolution. During the American Revolution it was visited by George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. After winning our independence, Alexander Hamilton served as the first Secretary of the Treasury. As Treasury Secretary, he wanted to transform country into a manufacturing powerhouse, reducing reliance on European imports and fostering self-sufficiency. He needed a source of power to create a manufacturing center and directed his attention to the Great Falls. He envisioned harnessing the falls to drive the machinery needed for textile production and other industries. So Alexander Hamilton played a pivotal role in the establishment of Paterson, New Jersey, as part of his vision for America’s economic independence. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton sought to transform the young nation into a manufacturing powerhouse, reducing reliance on European imports and fostering self-sufficiency. So in 1791, Hamilton founded the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (S.U.M.). This organization goal was to create a hub of industrial production. He also established the City of Paterson, which he named for New Jersey'a Governor. It would become one of America's prime manufacturing locations partially noted for textile production and other products.