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Paterson Travel Guide, New Jersey

Paterson, NJ US – Overview: One of the first industrial centers in the United States

Paterson is located around 30 miles to the west of New York City and is a seat of Passaic County. The root of the city traces back to 1792, when an investment group, which called itself SUM (Society of Useful Manufactures), headed by Alexander Hamilton was formed.

Alexander Hamilton is sometimes called the “Founder of Paterson”. Great power of waterfalls eventually drove the city in becoming amongst the nation’s first industrial centers. Inventors, artisans, engineers and entrepreneurs were drawn to this technology.

Important Landmarks in Paterson

Lambert Castle Museum is counted amongst the premier historic landmarks of Paterson. Built in 1893, this structure is Catholina Lambert’s former home, who was the owner of a well-known silk mill of the city. The Great Falls National Historic Landmark district is 118-acre industrial historic site located in Paterson, New Jersey. Located just 12 miles to the west of New York City, it is home to the largest and best example of early manufacturing mills in the United States.

You’ll find numerous sightseeing opportunities within an hour from Paterson. The Statue of Liberty, Madison Square Garden, Empire State Building, The Rockefeller Center, The Javit's Center, American Museum of Natural History, The Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan’s Central Park, Carnegie Hall, The Bronx Zoo and Battery Park are some of the popular places that you can visit around Paterson.

There is The Ellis Island, which can give better experience to older kids than Statue of Liberty. Ellis Island Immigration Museum has exhibits of more than 2,000 artifacts, which starts with “piles of all their earthy possessions” as you make an entrance through the Baggage room in the first floor. There’s a lot that you can see on second & third floor, and if you are there for picnic, the Island is the best place for resting and eating. Otherwise, a ferry back to Manhattan City is only 10 minutes away. On the way behind 85 Broad Street, you’ll find several popular restaurants with good cuisine.

NJ Adventure Aquarium will make an excellent trip for the entire family. Sharks are must see there. Then there’s Hurricane Harbor, which is a must go place in NJ. It has terrific water where one can spend some fun moments. Funtown Pier - Seaside Heights is another place for fun. A walk down this famous boardwalk is incomparable. A Duke farm is a 700 acre NJ farm, which has some excellent man-made lakes, must watch for art lovers. You can also have an excellent time at Borgata. It is the most elegant casino in NJ and arguably the entire world.

It can be overwhelming to plan a trip to Paterson, because there are so many great things to experience in the city.