Why was Paterson New Jersey founded?

The first recorded European settlers in the Passaic River Valley were Dutch explorers in the 17th century. The community became known for the Great Falls of the Passaic River, a significant natural feature. In 1791, Alexander Hamilton, a prominent American statesman and Founding Father, conceived of the idea to harness the power of the Great Falls for industrial development. With the support of investors, he founded the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (SUM) in 1792.

Paterson was specifically founded by the SUM as an industrial center. The proximity of the Great Falls, which provided a reliable source of water power, made the area ideal for establishing textile mills. The SUM envisioned Paterson as a planned city dedicated to manufacturing, and they laid out a grid system of streets and designated areas for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. The availability of water power and the planned infrastructure attracted various industries to Paterson, most notably textile manufacturing.

Paterson's growth as an industrial city accelerated in the 19th century, and it became known as the "Silk City" due to the thriving silk industry that developed there. The city continued to expand, attracting immigrants seeking employment in the factories. Its status as a prominent manufacturing hub influenced the city's social, economic, and cultural landscape.

Therefore, Paterson New Jersey was founded by Alexander Hamilton and the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (SUM) as an industrial city, primarily focused on harnessing the water power of the Great Falls for textile manufacturing and other industries.