Great Falls

waterfall, Passaic River, United States

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June 29, 2026

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The Great Falls are a series of waterfalls located on the Passaic River in Paterson, New Jersey, United States. These falls are approximately 70 feet (21 meters) high. The Passaic River itself is about 80 miles (130 km) long and has been significantly developed for power and water resources. The river's name comes from an Algonquian word meaning "peaceful valley". The Great Falls in Paterson are a National Natural Landmark and a significant historical site, playing a role in the early industrial development of the United States.1

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Paterson
…Alexander Hamilton) who saw the Great Falls of the Passaic, which drop 70 feet (21 metres), as the best potential industrial site on the Atlantic Seaboard. Paterson was one of the first planned industrial cities in the United States. The enterprise was chartered by the New Jersey legislature in 1791…
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…Alexander Hamilton) who saw the Great Falls of the Passaic, which drop 70 feet (21 metres), as the best potential industrial site on the Atlantic Seaboard. Paterson was one of the first planned industrial cities in the United States. The enterprise was chartered by the New Jersey legislature in 1791…
Read More