Paterson's Great Falls
In 1778, Paterson's National Natural Historic Landmark, the Great Falls, became the city's natural energy source. This innovative hydraulic system (known as the "Raceway") used canals to channel millions of gallons of water to power the mills and factories. On average, the Great Falls produced 33 million kilowatts of energy per day!
Under the entrepreneurial guidance of Alexander Hamilton, the city of Paterson was specifically designed to foster business. Located just 15 miles west of New York City, today, Paterson is the ideal place for businesses to thrive.
Spe et Labore is Latin for "With Hope and Labor". The city seal of Paterson depicts a man planting a mulberry tree which symbolizes Paterson's booming silk industry, thus earning it the name Silk City.
The Eastside Park Historic District is an architecturally and historically significant development spanning from 1890-1950. This large district is almost exclusively a residential neighborhood, consisting of 59 residential blocks, a 66-acre park and three small triangular parks. The district consists of an extremely diverse and representative mix of development that includes not only mansions, but also working-class houses. The district is significant for its period revival architecture and the community planning and development of the neighborhood. This district is also noteworthy for its landscape architecture. John Yapp Culyer, the assistant engineer of Central Park and Prospect Park, initially designed the district as a scenic park. Careful stewardship of the homes and parks has created a stable community of residents in a district that has retained a good degree of integrity.
Alexander Hamilton helped to organize the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufacturers (SUM) in Paterson making it "The Cradle of American Industry".
The Wright Whirlwind J-5 engine for Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and its 1927 cross Atlantic flight was built in Paterson
Paterson is also the home of the Holland submarine, the first modern underwater boat that could be used as a weapon.
Over 12,000 locomotives were built in Paterson, including the Sandusky, which was the first locomotive built in the United States from parts all made in the United States.
Paterson is the proud birthplace of legendary comedian Lou Costello and Beatnik Poet, Allen Ginsberg.
The City of Paterson is composed of six wards and more information about the City Council can be found here.