Our last stop en route to Massachusetts was New
Jersey to visit Barbara’s uncle. We always enjoy
seeing him. Barbara’s cousin was there when we arrived, so we all went out to a
local diner.
We were looking for a local
activity with not too much walking; Barbara’s uncle suggested PATERSON GREAT
FALLS NATIONAL HISTORICAL
PARK, which was a great idea.
Paterson Great Falls drops
some two million gallons of water a day claiming to be “the second largest waterfall
by volume east of the Mississippi River” – with only Niagara Falls surpassing it.
The National Historic
Park highlights the
history here, as well. Here in 1792 Alexander Hamilton founded Paterson, the first city of industry and
innovation. He also founded the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures
(S.U.M.), New Jersey’s
first corporation.
The S.U.M. constructed a
multitiered water system by diverting some of the river water to a raceway that
could then be used to power multiple mills. This sign shows some of the course
of the raceway.
 |
| hydroelectric plant on left |
Paterson became a manufacturing hub for more than 150 years. The
1913 hydroelectric plant, one of the first in the country, has been modernized
to bring power to 11,000 homes. The city is a bit run down today, but it is
great to see parks revitalize this section. And we enjoyed our trip there.
 |
| Bill with Uncle Jim |
no campground: stayed with Barbara’s uncle in Lyndhurst NJ
