Exploring Paterson, NJ: Alexander Hamilton's Planned City of Industry

While Alexander Hamilton is best known for establishing the First Bank of the United States, penning most of the Federalist Papers, and even founding the New York Post, one of his most visionary accomplishments is often overlooked — the creation of Paterson, New Jersey, America’s first planned city of industry and innovation. What began as a bold experiment in water-powered manufacturing became one of the largest and most productive economies in the world by the late 1800s. Now’s your chance to walk the streets of Hamilton’s forgotten city and see how his blueprint for American economic independence still echoes through Paterson’s historic raceways, roaring waterfalls, and industrial landmarks.

Join New York Adventure Club for a special exploration of Paterson, New Jersey — the "Silicon Valley" of the 19th and early 20th centuries — that became a leading global manufacturing hub for industries including locomotives, silk, and airplane engines.

Led by the Director of the Paterson Museum, our exclusive trip will include:

• A private walkthrough of the Paterson Museum (normally closed on weekends), with a look at the city’s industrial rise through textiles, locomotives, airplane engines, and the once-mighty silk industry
• A guided tour of Great Falls — one of the largest waterfalls in the U.S. — and its engineered raceways, where Hamilton’s vision of harnessing water power came to life and launched a new era of American manufacturing
• A visit to the newly restored Hinchliffe Stadium, one of the last surviving Negro League ballparks, and a powerful symbol of the city’s civic and cultural history
• A walk along one of Paterson’s original industrial raceways, exploring how its unique water channeling system powered factories and shaped the urban landscape
• Panoramic views of Paterson’s industrial past and present from the Hinchliffe Stadium's museum

See you there!

*Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we'll be on our feet for the duration of the experience. In addition, we'll be walking uphill and uneven terrain at times.

**Our experience will end back at the Paterson Museum, which is in walking distance of many great restaurants and eateries

Schedule of Events:

1-2pm: Museum Tour

2-3:30pm: Paterson Walking Tour

Transportation:

*Please double check train/bus departure times the day before as schedules can shift.

By Bus:

Take NJ Transit Bus 190 departing from Port Authority Gate 232 to the "Main St at Market St" stop (Zone 5) — the museum is a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. Bus 190 returns to NYC every 20 minutes.

OR

A small private bus company called Express Bus Service runs shuttle busses every five minutes directly between NYC and Paterson (final stop), which takes approximately one hour. Board on the east side of 8th Avenue between 41st and 42nd Streets. Fare is $7.50 cash each way. Note that while this bus is faster than the NJ Transit Bus, the seats are tighter and ride is bumpier.

By Train:

Take the NJ Transit Morris & Essex train from Penn Station and transfer at Frank R. Lautenberg Rail Station to the Main/Bergen County Line toward Ridgewood — disembark at Paterson — museum is 15-20 minute walk. Train returns roughly every hour.

By Car:

Parking is available at the Paterson Museum

Testimonials

"Loads of information! Enthusiastic guide! Our first in-person event. Certainly not the last!!" -David

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By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours