The history of Long Pond Ironworks dates back to 1766. First founded by German ironmaster Peter Hasenclever, it became home to more than 500 ironworkers and their families; many of whom traveled with Hasenclever from Germany to build an ironworks industry in Northern New Jersey. The Ringwood landmark is the latest to receive the Jersey Through History spotlight.
During its growth – and century of continued operation – Long Pond Ironworks came to include furnaces, houses, shops, and even farms. Hasenclever knew the Wanaque River was a prime location to begin his business; given its ability to provide the hydropower necessary to power a furnace and forge.
More from Best of NJ
Throughout a hundred years of service, Long Pond Ironworks developed a large community along the NY & Greenwood Lake Railway; incorporating dozens of buildings and spacious land for people to work, live, and play. The ironworks officially shut down in 1882, amid the industry’s conversion to anthracite coal furnaces, leaving Iron Pond obsolete.
Long Pond Ironworks After Closure
Though the ironworks shut down, residents of the village did not immediately abandon their homes. Instead, they built a new school in 1895 and a church ten years later. They also erected a steam-powered sawmill in 1913, and engaged in ice-cutting and recreation businesses for income. However, by the 1950s, the residents left the community and their now-fruitless pursuits behind. Shortly after, the property was donated to the State of New Jersey in 1957. Then, by 1974, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Finally, it became a New Jersey State Park in 1987.
Today, Long Pond Ironworks State Park holds many of the remnants of the old ironworking community along the Wanaque River. In fact, a number of the buildings are still standing today. For instance, the Old Country Store sits on Greenwood Lake Turnpike (County Road 511) in Ringwood, Passaic County. This serves as the park’s visitor center and museum, open on weekends from April through November.
Likewise, the 145-acre park is run by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Parks and Forestry. They maintain the property, trails, and buildings, with assistance from the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks. (A nonprofit volunteer organization that preserves and restores the remaining structures of Long Pond Ironworks.) Together, these groups interpret the site’s past and make its history available to the public. They also offer tours of the furnace and village on the second Saturday of every month (April through November).
The Park Today
Long Pond Ironworks State Park is open to the public every day of the year from dawn until dusk. Self-guided tours provide visitors with a private, in-depth look at the village from two centuries ago. Parking is available in the lot of the Old Country Store. From there the trails split and diverge, but all loop back around the village. The site houses many historic homes, including the Ward-Ryerson-Paterson House and the Milligan-Harty House; as well as the Whritenour House, and the Stone Double House. The Mule & Horse Stable & Smithy/Wagon Shed still stands today; in addition to remnants of the company store, ice house, water wheels, Civil War-era furnaces, and more.
Long Pond Ironworks State Park is also a great site for hiking. There is a system of trails around the mountainous areas, Wanaque River, Monksville Reservoir, and more. Most of the trails are not too difficult, but they can be lengthy. So it’s a good idea to pack hiking boots, some snacks, and extra water bottles. It’s a great way to spend the day and Jersey Through History.
Click Here For More Jersey Through History Stories.
All Photos: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ