Power and Progress: The Great Falls of Paterson
In northern New Jersey, the Passaic River plunges seventy-seven feet over jagged cliffs of ancient basalt, creating a dramatic curtain of rushing water known as the Paterson Great Falls. Long before factories lined its banks, the spectacular natural landmark was sacred to the Lenape people, who marveled at its immense strength and beauty. Today, the deafening roar of the cascade serves as a reminder of both nature's raw force and a pivotal turning point in American history, where water power helped forge an industrial empire.
Following the American Revolutionary War, the young nation faced a formidable challenge. While the United States had secured political independence from Great Britain, it remained economically dependent on European manufacturing for basic goods, tools, and textiles. Alexander Hamilton, the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, recognized that true sovereignty required domestic manufacturing capability. Captivated by the power of the Great Falls, Hamilton envisioned a planned industrial city that could harness the kinetic energy of the river to power machinery on an unprecedented scale.
- basalt:
- A dark, dense volcanic rock formed from cooled lava.
- cascade:
- A steep waterfall or series of small waterfalls falling over rocks.
- sovereignty:
- Complete independence and self-governing authority.
- kinetic:
- Relating to or produced by motion.
- raceways:
- Man-made water channels designed to direct river flow toward mills.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What natural feature created the Paterson Great Falls, and who considered the site sacred before European settlement?
- 2Why was the United States still economically dependent on Great Britain following the Revolutionary War?
Where this passage belongs
You Might Also Like
About this informational passage for Middle School
“Power and Progress: The Great Falls of Paterson” is a informational reading passage about Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, written for Middle School. It takes about 3 minutes to read (422 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.