Paterson, New Jersey

About

Paterson is a city located in the county of Passaic in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Its population at the 2010 census was 146,199 and a population density of 6,483 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 144,801 inhabitants.

The city was created 232 years ago in 1791.

Paterson is a city located in northeastern New Jersey within the New York City metropolitan area. With a population of over 145,000, it is the third largest city in New Jersey. Paterson sits along the Passaic River.

History

Paterson was founded in 1791 by Alexander Hamilton who envisioned it as the cradle of American industry because of the available water power sites. Paterson became an industrial boomtown throughout the 19th century churning out textiles, firearms, locomotives and silk.

Immigrants from Europe provided factory labor, giving Paterson a multicultural character. Silk production became Paterson's specialty, earning it the nickname “Silk City.”

Decline and Renewal

Paterson fell into decline and poverty in the mid 20th century as industries left. But preservation efforts in recent decades have revitalized sections of the city, especially the historic Great Falls district.

The Great Falls were restored with hydroelectric plants and pedestrian walkways providing scenic views of the magnificent 77-foot high waterfalls.

Current Features

Some additional aspects of modern-day Paterson include:

• A strong African American and Hispanic cultural heritage
• Renowned culinary traditions like the hot dog which originated in Paterson
• Hinchliffe Stadium - Historic 10,000 seat stadium and national landmark
• Numerous art galleries and live music venues
• The Paterson Museum displaying American industrial history

Paterson exemplifies both the grandeur and hardships of an iconic American manufacturing city. But its diverse community and resolve help guide its reemergence.

Quick Facts about Paterson

Downtown-paterson-nj2 image

Geography

Paterson is located at 40°55'0"N 74°10'19"W (40.9167700, -74.1718100). It has 7 neighbors: Clifton, Elmwood Park, Fair Lawn, Haledon, Hawthorne, Prospect Park and Totowa.

Paterson map

Click "full screen" icon to open full mode. View satellite images

People born in Paterson, including writer and television producer J. Michael Straczynski, physicist Frederick Reines, football player, wide receiver Victor Cruz, .

List

• Zoogz Rift (American musician and professional wrestler) he was born in 10/07/1953
• Mindy Sterling (American actress) she was born in 11/07/1953
• Essence Carson (American basketball player) she was born in 28/07/1986
• Percy Goetschius (American composer) he was born in 30/08/1853
• Sybil (American singer) she was born in 02/06/1965
• Adeva (American musician) she was born in 13/12/1960
• Dave Sime (American Olympic sprinter, multi-sport athlete, and a pioneering ophthalmologist, who won a silver medal in the 100-meter dash at the 1960 Olympic Games) he was born in 25/07/1936
• Robert Torricelli (American politician) he was born in 27/08/1951
• Patrick Warburton (American actor) he was born in 14/11/1964
• Anthony Davis (American pianist and composer) he was born in 20/02/1951
• Gilbert Warrenton (American cinematographer) he was born in 07/03/1894
• Susan Misner (Dancer and actress) she was born in 08/02/1971
• Kathryn D. Sullivan (American geologist and NASA astronaut) she was born in 03/10/1951
• Mark L. Polansky (American astronaut, pilot) he was born in 02/06/1956
• Amos H. Radcliffe (American politician (1870-1950)) he was born in 16/01/1870
• Carl Weinrich (American organist) he was born in 02/07/1904
• Michael Hossack (Drummer for The Doobie Brothers) he was born in 17/10/1946
• Frank Lautenberg (U.S. Senator from New Jersey (1924-2013)) he was born in 23/01/1924