Great Falls/S. U. M. Power Canal System, Paterson, Passaic County, NJ

Significance: Begun by the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufacturers under the supervision of Pierre L'Enfant, the Canal System was first completed in 1794. Later alterations and improvements were carried out in various phases between about 1800 and 1846. The canal system harnessed the power of one of the largest falls on the east coast, that of the Passaic River, and eventually provided power to over one hundred buildings. Several eminent Americans, including Alexander Hamilton and Pierre L'Enfant, were involved in the SUM, and it reflects their interest in furthering America's economic independence, and in fostering technology and industry.

Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-1

Survey number: HAER NJ-2

Building/structure dates: 1794 Initial Construction

Building/structure dates: 1846 Subsequent Work

National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 70000391

canals brick buildings textile industry manufacturing railroad locomotive industry water power economic development depressions engineering floods paterson nj great falls power power canal system paterson passaic passaic county new jersey bill bolger peter colt historic american engineering record pierre l enfant virginia b price great falls ultra high resolution high resolution historic american landscapes survey historic american buildings survey architecture railroad railroad architecture manufacturing plants industrial history library of congress national register of historic places

1930 - 1970

Library of Congress

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