Paterson in Passaic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 2, 2026
1. The Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures Marker
"No man would become a member of a community, in which he could not enjoy the fruits of his honest labour and industry."
- William Paterson, 1745-1806
In 1791, Alexander Hamilton and a group of investors founded New Jersey's first corporation: the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (S.U.M.). The S.U.M.'s mission was to demonstrate that the young country could build a thriving manufacturing economyall powered by the Passaic River at the Great Falls.
Through the late 1800s and early 1900s, the S.U.M. expanded its hydropower system and leased sites along the raceway for factories. Talented workers from around the world were drawn to the factories, making Paterson one of the most diverse cities in the nation.
After World War II, the City of Paterson purchased the S.U.M.'s holdings.
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Paterson's Namesake
The City of Paterson is named after William Paterson, who was a signer of the U.S. Constitution in 1788 and served as governor of New Jersey from 1790-1793. Through Paterson's strong support, New Jersey's Assembly and Council awarded the S.U.M. with a generous charter. Signed in November 1791, the charter gave the S.U.M. tremendous power including exemption from local taxes. By 1793, Paterson was appointed
this page online
The S.U.M.'s emblem evokes the workings of a beehive, with many workers joining together toward a common goal.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1791.
Location. 40° 54.892′ N, 74° 10.83′ W. Marker is in Paterson, New Jersey, in Passaic County. It is on Spruce Street west of McBride Avenue Extension, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 72 McBride Ave, Paterson NJ 07501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Captain Eric M. Graupe (within shouting distance of this marker); Passaic Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Falls of Paterson on the Passaic (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Falls Hydroelectric Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Falls of the Passaic/S.U.M. Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 2, 2026
2. The Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. The 1914 S.U.M. Great Falls Power Plant (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Allied Textile Printing Site (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 2, 2026
3. The Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 60 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
