In 1778; the Great Falls became the Paterson areas natural energy source. The innovative hydraulic "Raceway" used an intricate network of canals to channel millions of gallons of water to power local mills and factories. In 1791; Alexander Hamilton helped to organize the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures; which aimed to develop a planned industrial city in the United States. Hamilton believed that the country needed to reduce its dependence on foreign goods and develop its own industries; and the falls were chosen as the site for the planned city. The industries in Paterson were powered by the 77-foot Great Falls; and the city became known as "The Cradle of American Industry." Today the falls are not only a national historic landmark and a state park; but on March 30; 2009; Pres. Barack Obama signed a bill creating Great Falls National Historical Park.
#2186081 in eBooks 2009-02-09 2009-02-09File Name: B0093OGCJM
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A True Treasure and Keepsake for All Who Love West VirginiaBy J. HelmandollarI was born in Princeton and raised in Montcalm. Bluefield was the "big city" and the "happening place" while I was growing up there. The greatest thing to look forward to was going to Bluefield for shopping. dining out. and other entertainment. This book is fantastic! It contains so many pictures. and the narrative is so well written. I felt like I was reliving my childhood. Once I picked it up. I couldnt put it down. This is a book that I will always treasure and can proudly share with my children and grandchildren. This is so ironic that I downloaded this book to my Kindle last Saturday. I was reminded. as I read through the book. how much I had enjoyed reading and watching the movie "A Beautiful Mind." It made me proud to be able to say that such a distinguished person as Dr. John Rhodes Nash grew up in the same area that I grew up in. The next day. as soon as I turned on my computer to check my e-mail. I saw the news alert announcing that Dr. John Rhodes Nash and his wife Alicia had died in a automobile accident in New Jersey. I felt that I had just visited with them yesterday because I read about them in this book. It made me extra sad. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who grew up in the Bluefield area. as well as for those who would like to know more about what it is really like. Bill Archer has really done a great thing by writing his books on the area. Im sure lots of people have spent many joyful hours reminiscing through reading and viewing the photos in his books.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Love itBy Linda OMy family is from the Bluefield/Princeton area of southern WVa so this book was a great gift for my father. who grew up there. He also worked at the Bluefield Daily Telegraph in the 1950s-60s (where he met my mother). so he was familiar with the author as well.Thanks for this one. Bill! I also bought the Princeton one which has a picture of my first cousin in it (working on the RR)!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Like going homeBy Nancy SpoonerBought for a friend. Like going home.
