One of Paterson's well-known landmarks is the Great Falls. It is the "second largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi." Alexander Hamilton visited them and saw great potential to harness them for power and create the first planned industrial city in the U.S. Paterson became a great manufacturing city, especially for silk. I went and visited the falls yesterday and here are a few pictures.
Because of all the manufacturing, Paterson has long been a city of many immigrants. It remains so today (although there is less manufacturing). Only the countries of origin have changed. Today, 50-60% of the population is Hispanic. 32% is African American. There is also a sizable group of middle eastern immigrants. The apartment building where I live is one block over from a big Islamic Center/mosque. Parking was pretty crazy on Friday afternoon when their main prayer service is held.
The neighborhood where church is has a lot of Jamaican immigrants (I need to go to the restaurant with Jamaican food soon!). The demographics of the church are roughly 60% African American, 30% Anglo, and the rest English-speaking Hispanics (and I guess anyone else). I know statistics aren't that interesting, but it does give a glimpse of what the area is like. Basically, I'm in the minority most of the time.
