According to the Tacoma Public Library's "Washington Place Names" database (2019):

"Paterson Ridge (T5N R6E) ... Paterson Ridge is north of the Columbia River and runs southwest to northeast above Blalock Island. It is divided by Glade Creek that runs from the north joining the Columbia River near the community of Paterson. The ridge is approximately 30 miles south of Prosser and is in a vineyard and orchard area."

Edmund S. Meany wrote in "Origin of Washington Geographic Names" (1923, University of Washington Press):

"Paterson ... a town on the north bank of the Columbia River, in Benton County. It was named for Henry Paterson, a pioneer settler."

Robert Hitchman wrote in "Place Names of Washington" (1985, Washington Historical Society):

"Paterson (T5N R26E, Sec.8) ... Settlement on the north bank of Columbia River, south slope of Paterson Ridge, directly upstream from Blalock Island, southwest Benton County. The name of Henry Paterson, a pioneer settler, was applied to the settlement, the ridge, and to a nearby springs."

According to the Tacoma Public Library's "Washington Place Names" database (2019):

"Paterson (T5N, R26E, Sec.8) ... Paterson is on the north bank of the Columbia River on south slope of Paterson Ridge directly upstream from Blalock Island in southwest Benton County. The name of Henry T. Paterson, a pioneer settler, was given to the community, the ridge, and to nearby springs. The title to 111.25 acres of land was granted to Henry Paterson on July 8, 1892. The Paterson ferry operated during the major Columbia River flood of 1948 offering the only cross river passage for many miles up and down stream. The ferry then consisted of two unpowered steel barges that were propelled by light tug boats with capacities of fourteen and eleven passenger autos respectively. When a toll bridge was built between Plymouth, Washington, and Umatilla, Oregon in 1955 the ferry owners were eventually "persuaded to sell thier ferry operation..."."

The 1868 cadastral survey (tax survey) shows a "settlers dwelling" located in T5N R26E Section 9.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management's General Land Office (GLO) Records database (2007) shows title being granted to Henry Paterson for 111.25 acres of T5N R26E Section 8, on July 25, 1892, under the 1862 Homestead Entry Original.

Often seen spelled "Patterson", the U.S. Board of Geographic Names made "Paterson" official in 1959.

• North Bank Road ...
• Paterson Ferry and Paterson Ferry Road ...
• Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge, Paterson Unit ...

STATIONS ON THE NORTH BANK Between Vancouver and Pasco There Will Be 43 Stops. "LYLE, Wash., July 24, 1907. -- (Special.) -- Chief Surgeon Irvine, of the North Bank Road says there will be 43 stations about five miles apart on the line between Vancouver and Pasco. From west to east the stations will appear on the new map as Image, Fisher, Bourne, Seal, Cruzatt, Butler, Cascades, Stevenson, Ash, Collins, Cooks, Hood, Bingen, Villa, Lyle, Skadat, Grandalles, Spedis, Avery, Timms, Columbus, Cliffs, Towal, Harbin, Fountain, Sanda, Roosevelt, Moonax, McCredie, Carley, Luzon, Sage, Patterson (Paterson), Coolide, Gravel, Plymouth, Colbia, Mottinger, Tomar, Yellepit, Hoover and Finley. He also reports the track is being blasted as fast as laid." Source:    "Morning Oregonian", July 25, 1907, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspapers Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2019.

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