Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson is a city located in Passaic County, New Jersey. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 149,222, making it New Jersey's third largest city. It is the county seat of Passaic County{{GR|6}}. The City of Paterson is governed under the Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) system of municipal government.

Related Topics:
Passaic County - New Jersey - 2000 - County seat - Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council)

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The Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson are the second-highest large-volume falls on the East Coast: only Niagara Falls are higher. Alexander Hamilton helped encourage the harnessing of the energy of the Great Falls to secure the independence from British manufacturers. In 1791, Hamilton helped found the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures. Paterson, which was founded by the society, became the cradle of the industrial revolution in America. Paterson was named for William Paterson, New Jersey governor, statesman, and signer of the Constitution.

Related Topics:
Great Falls of the Passaic River - Niagara Falls - Alexander Hamilton - 1791 - Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures - William Paterson - Constitution

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The industries developed in Paterson were powered by the 77-foot high Great Falls of the Passaic, and a system of water raceways that harnessed the power of the falls. The district originally included dozens of mill buildings and other manufacturing structures associated with the textile industry and later, the firearms, silk, and railroad locomotive manufacturing industries. In the latter half of the 1800's, silk production became the dominant industry and formed the basis of Paterson's most prosperous period, earning it the nickname "Silk City." Paterson was also the site of historic labor unrest that focused on anti-child labor legislation, and the six month long 1913 Paterson silk strike that demanded the eight-hour day and better working conditions, but was defeated by the employers with workers forced to return under pre-strike conditions.

Related Topics:
1913 Paterson silk strike - Eight-hour day

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