Nation's newest national historic park in NJ

PATERSON — The nation's newest national historic park is in New Jersey. Paterson's majestic Great Falls will be officially dedicated Monday as America's 397th national park. Among those scheduled to attend are U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and National Park Service officials. The 77-foot waterfall, located in downtown Paterson, is the second largest on the East Coast and one of the largest in the nation. The falls once provided power to run factories that produced silk, locomotives and firearms and helped launch the American Industrial Revolution. The national park designation, which was signed by President Obama in March 2009, makes the 35-acre site eligible for federal funds. Paterson officials hope the building of a new park near the falls will help revitalize the city.