Paterson, New Jersey
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| Paterson, New Jersey | |
|---|---|
| Name | Paterson |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Silk City |
| Motto | "Spe et labore" (Latin for "Hope and labor") |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Jersey |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Passaic |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1791 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | April 11, 1831 (as township) / April 14, 1851 (as city) |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | André Sayegh |
| Area total sq mi | 8.70 |
| Area land sq mi | 8.29 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.41 |
| Population total | 159,732 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 40, 54, 56, N... |
| Elevation ft | 112 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 07501–07505, 07508–07510, 07513–07514, 07522, 07524, 07533, 07538, 07543–07544 |
| Area code | 973 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 34-57000 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0885317 |
| Website | www.patersonnj.gov |
Paterson, New Jersey is a historic city in Passaic County and the third-most populous municipality in the state. Founded in 1791 by Alexander Hamilton and the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures to harness the power of the Great Falls, it became a preeminent center of American industry, earning the nickname "The Silk City." Today, it is a diverse urban hub known for its rich industrial heritage, cultural institutions, and significant immigrant communities.
History
The city's origins are intrinsically linked to the vision of Alexander Hamilton and the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures, which selected the site for its immense water power potential at the Great Falls of the Passaic River. Throughout the 19th century, it evolved into a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, pioneering the development of the textile industry, particularly in silk manufacturing, which led to major labor actions like the 1913 Paterson silk strike. Key industrialists like John Ryle and inventors such as John P. Holland, who tested early submarine prototypes in the Passaic River, were central to its growth. The city's historical narrative is preserved at the Paterson Museum and the Great Falls National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park Service.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city encompasses a total area of 8.70 square miles, with 8.29 square miles of land and 0.41 square miles of water. The dominant geographical feature is the Passaic River, which flows through the city and cascades over the 77-foot Great Falls. The terrain is part of the Piedmont region, with the Watchung Mountains to the west. Major parks include Eastside Park, Westside Park, and Pennington Park, while the city is bisected by major transportation corridors like Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 46.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 159,732, making it the most populous city in Passaic County. The city is renowned for its exceptional ethnic and cultural diversity, with large communities of Hispanic or Latino residents, particularly of Dominican and Peruvian descent, as well as significant populations of Arab Americans, Turkish Americans, and Bangladeshi Americans. This diversity is reflected in neighborhoods like the Downtown commercial district and the Fourteenth Avenue corridor. The United States Census Bureau data indicates a high population density and a young median age.
Economy
Historically dominated by textile mills and locomotive manufacturing at firms like the Rogers Locomotive and Machine Works, the city's economy has diversified. While manufacturing remains a component, major sectors now include health care, with St. Joseph's University Medical Center as a leading employer, education, retail trade, and public administration. The city is a regional hub for wholesale and retail commerce, notably in the Downtown area and specialized markets. Economic development initiatives often focus on leveraging its historical assets, such as the Great Falls National Historical Park, for tourism.
Culture and landmarks
The city is a vibrant cultural center, home to institutions like the Paterson Museum, which chronicles its industrial and natural history, and the American Labor Museum housed in the Botto House National Landmark. The Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is the city's premier landmark, featuring the Great Falls and historic raceway system. The literary legacy of William Carlos Williams is celebrated in his epic poem Paterson. Annual events include the Paterson African Heritage Festival and the Great Falls Festival, while the Fabian 8 Cinemas and the Paterson Performing Arts Development Council support local arts.
Government
The city operates under a mayor–council system. The current mayor is André Sayegh, and the legislative body is the nine-member Paterson City Council. The city is part of New Jersey's 8th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Bill Pascrell. It is also within New Jersey's 35th legislative district for representation in the New Jersey Legislature. Municipal services include the Paterson Police Department and the Paterson Fire Department, which operate from multiple stations throughout the city.
Category:Cities in New Jersey Category:Passaic County, New Jersey Category:Populated places established in 1791