Originally known as Lenapehoking, the Acquackanonk Native American people were the first to inhabit this environment. After that, the Dutch laid claim to the land, followed shortly by the British, who proclaimed it the Province of New Jersey. Named after William Paterson, the Governor of New Jersey, the town of Paterson was founded in 1792. The year before, Alexander Hamilton formed the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, responsible for Paterson becoming the cradle of the industrial revolution in America. In the mid to late 1800s, Paterson moved from an Acquackanonk Township as part of Essex in 1831 to an incorporated city as part of Passaic County in 1837. It was then reincorporated as a city in 1861. The Great Falls was the primary industry source in Paterson's early days, successfully powering the water mills and expanding the city's economy. In the early 1900s, business people ushered in multiple industries, including textiles, firearms, silk, and railroad locomotive manufacturing. In the later 1900s, silk production took over as the dominant industry in Paterson. This period in its industrial history earned Paterson its nickname of the "Silk City." Paterson is known for the Art Deco Stadium, formerly known as the City Stadium. It was established in 1933 and used for many iconic football games, athletics competitions, boxing matches, and music concerts over the next few decades. Paterson Public Schools then acquired it in 1963. Unfortunately, it closed in 1996 after falling into disrepair. However, recently, there has been an initiative to restore the stadium. Paterson has weathered much suffering over the decades, from economic decline after World War II to natural disasters in the 1990s and early 2000s. For all this, the city has found ways to improve its economy and enhance the lives of its residents. Due to the city embracing cultural diversity, small businesses are on the rise, presenting many new job prospects to Paterson communities.

Here are a couple of delightful activities and locations to check out in Paterson to start your explorations:
Lambert Castle: This beautiful venue is an architectural wonder. It is exceptionally designed and open to the public for private functions but is primarily a Passaic Country history museum, with interesting period rooms and historical exhibits.
Toros Restaurant: For the best in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, come to Toros. This unique restaurant serves everything from homemade hummus to its own freshly baked daily bread. Treat yourself to their delicious signature Turkish tea or coffee as the perfect end to your meal.