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 walk around 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

A trip to a hidden overlook high above the city, offering rare panoramic views of Paterson’s industrial past and present — and even the New York City skyline on a clear day

See you there!