Great Falls Park

Some 190 million years ago (Mesozoic Era), fluid lava as high as a ten story building rolled in a single flow from fifty miles away and solidified in this region. The basaltic ridge formed by these flows explains the basic geological formation of the Great Falls. Through this notch, the entirety of the Passaic River plunges some 77 feet, making it the second largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi River, surpassed only by Niagara Falls.The Great Falls has been an important part of the cultural history of this region beginning with its native inhabitants, and later to the formation and expansion of the United States. Inspired by visits to this waterfall, first Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton proposed its potential as a power source to launch the new nation's economy to be based on industry and trade. The Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures was charted in 1791 to realize his vision, and thus laid the foundation for the City of Paterson and the nation's economy.The significance of the Great Falls is recognized for these natural and national cultural events as a Natural National Landmark (1966) and as the heart of the Great Falls National Historic Landmark District (1976) and later the Great Falls National Historical Park (2009), Mary Ellen Kramer was instrumental in galvanizing Paterson's



historic preservation movement that resulted in these designations, and for the reopening of this property as a public park in 1974. It was officially named in honor of her memory by the Paterson Municipal Council on February 15, 1994 (94:197).This plaque is given in commemoration of the restoration of this park and its rededication to Mart Ellen Kramer, whose leadership and legacy preserved this sacred place as an inspiration for all.National Park Service, United States Department of the InteriorGovernor Chris Christie, State of New JerseyCommissioner Bob Martin, NJ Department of Environmental ProtectionPassaic County Board of Chosen FreeholdersMayor Jose "Joey" Torres, City of PatersonHistoric Preservation Commission, City of PatersonAugust 2015

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  

The Allied Textile Printing Site
Great Falls Hydroelectric Station
Great Falls of Paterson on the Passaic
The 1914 S.U.M. Great Falls Power Plant
Captain Eric M. Graupe
Passaic Falls
Great Falls of the Passaic/S.U.M. Historic District
Harry B. Haines Memorial Park
Overlook Park
John P. Holland's First Submarine

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.