Rediscovering Paterson Great Falls: A Tour of the Raceways➢

Revisiting a familiar place often brings new perspectives. My 2023 visit to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park was no exception. This time, I joined a tour of the historic raceways hosted by Take a Hike NJ and led by Terry, an experienced park volunteer. Although I’d taken this tour before, it had been years. Returning felt like reconnecting with an old friend who had quietly evolved.

The tour began with the park’s highlight: the falls. No matter how many times you’ve seen them, Paterson Great Falls always inspires awe. The thundering water reminds visitors why Alexander Hamilton chose this site to launch America’s industrial revolution. As Terry explained the falls’ role in shaping Paterson’s history, I thought about how nature and industry have coexisted here for over two centuries.

Next, we passed Hinchliffe Stadium, recently restored to its former glory. Once a hub for Negro League baseball games, it now stands as a tribute to Paterson’s cultural heritage. Its revival reflects the city’s dedication to preserving its history.

We then crossed the street to explore the raceways, a system of channels designed to power Paterson’s factories. These waterways highlight the ingenuity of early American engineers. Walking along them, I could imagine the clatter of looms and hum of machinery that once filled the area. Terry’s vivid stories brought the mills and their workers to life, showcasing how they turned Paterson into an industrial hub.

The raceways are more than an engineering achievement; they’re a living link to the past. Each stop revealed a new aspect of Paterson’s history, from silk production to locomotives, all connected by the falls’ energy.

The tour ended near the Paterson Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts showcasing the city’s industrial and cultural legacy. Although the museum wasn’t part of the tour, it’s worth visiting. While often closed on weekends, it occasionally opens for special Saturday events.

Location: 72 McBride Avenue Extension, Paterson, New Jersey
Designation: National Historical Park
Date designated/established: November 7, 2011
Date of my visit: June 4, 2023