Paterson in Passaic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Great Falls Raceway and Power System
National Historic Civil and Mechanical Engineering Landmark
Photographed by Doran Howitt, April 3, 2013
1. Great Falls Raceway and Power System Marker
Alexander Hamilton, with great vision, prompted the incorporation of the "society for establishing usefull [sic] manufactures" in 1791 to start America's economic and industrial independence. Pierre Charles L'Enfant, engineer and planner of the nation's capital, and Peter Colt designed a raceway and power system to harness the Passaic River at Great Falls and create America's first planned industrial city. That development sparked countless engineering and industrial innovations and progress including the Colt revolver, the Rogers other steam locomotives, the Holland submarine, the Curtis-Wright aircraft engine, along with textile and silk manufacturing made Paterson famous as the "silk city" of the world.
The Great Falls raceway at Paterson is the basis of the oldest American community integrating water power, industrial development and urban planning. It is a landmark of American civil and mechanical engineering heritage.
Dedicated May 20, 1977
The American Society of Civil Engineers
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Erected 1977 by The American Society of Civil Engineers and The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 40° 54.849′ N, 74° 10.792′ W. Marker is in Paterson, New Jersey, in Passaic County. It can be reached from Spruce St.. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Spruce St, 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: Ivanhoe Wheelhouse (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Ivanhoe Wheelhouse (here, next to this marker); Rogers Works (within shouting distance of this marker); The Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Great Falls of the Passaic/S.U.M. Historic District (about 300 feet away); Captain Eric M. Graupe (about 400 feet away); Passaic Falls (about 400 feet away); Overlook Park (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paterson.
Also see . . . The Great Falls Raceway and Power System. The American
Photographed by Doran Howitt, April 3, 2013
2. Great Falls Raceway and Power System Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2013, by D Howitt of Bergen County, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 755 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2013, by D Howitt of Bergen County, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
