Paterson

Paterson is a city in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. It sits on the Passaic River in the state’s northern part and is part of the New York metropolitan area. The city is named for William Paterson, a statesman who helped found New Jersey and who served as governor and as a signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Paterson’s falls — the Great Falls — provided the hydro power that fueled early industry. The city was developed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as an organized factory town and became a major site of textile and later silk production. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Paterson earned the nickname Silk City for its prominent silk mills and immigrant labor.

Key landmarks include the Great Falls of the Passaic River and the Great Falls National Historical Park, established to interpret the city’s industrial heritage. Cultural institutions such as the Paterson Museum and Lambert Castle preserve regional history, while diverse neighborhoods reflect waves of immigration from Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Today Paterson faces urban challenges common to postindustrial cities, including economic transition, housing, and public safety. At the same time, development efforts focus on waterfront revitalization, arts and education initiatives, and expanding transit connections to greater New York City. The city is governed by a mayor and council and serves as the county seat of Passaic County.

Paterson is served by New Jersey Transit rail and bus networks and is connected to major highways, placing it within reach of New York City and the broader metro area. Its location, industrial legacy, and cultural diversity remain defining features.