LONG POND IRONWORKS MUSEUM,
1334 Greenwood Lake Turnpike
(located past the Monksville Resevoir), West Milford
History:
Long Pond ironworks
was founded in 1766 by Peter Hasenclever as part of a vast
industrial empire sponsored by British investors.
Headquartered at nearby Ringwood Manor, Hasenclever
developed a full iron working complex and workers’ village
along the Wynokie River, which is modern day Greenwood Lake.
In operation by 1767, the ironworks included roads, dams,
houses, barns, mills, an iron smelting furnace and a
four-fire forge. Operating from Colonial times until the
1880’s, the ironworks was run by a succession of famous
ironmasters including Robert Erskine during the American
Revolution, Martin Ryerson during the War of 1812, and Peter
Cooper and Abram S. Hewitt during the Civil War and the
industrial revolution. Uniquely, 120 years of evolving iron
making technology are evidenced on the site by the remains
of three blast furnaces, waterwheels, raceways and other
industrial features.
Long Pond Today.
Dedicated as a State Park in 1987, the 175 acre wooded site
is listed on both the state and national registers of
historic places as well as having National Historic Landmark
District status. A roadside Visitors Center and museum is
open on weekends at 1334 Greenwood Lake Turnpike, West
Milford Township, in New Jersey’s Highland Region. Walking
trails pass by 12 buildings still standing and the ruins of
foundations among beautiful highlands scenery. Interpretive
tours are offered on the 2nd Saturday of the month and
living history weekends occur throughout the year. Future
plans call for ongoing restoration, preservation and
historic interpretation. School programs, special group
tours, presentations and traveling exhibits are available by
appointment from the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks. Call
(973) 657-1688 or go to
www.users.nac.net/folpi
for more information.
