THE  MANOR & FORGES OF RINGWOOD, Ringwood State Park, Ringwood

Established in 1740, Ringwood is to industry what Williamsburg, Virginia is to politics. It produced munitions for every major armed conflict from the French and Indian War to World War I. During the 20th Century, the Ringwood iron mines operated intermittently from the 1920’s until they ceased operation in 1957.

In 1765, the German-born entrepreneur Peter Hasenclever purchased Ringwood from the Ogden family. His firm, known as the American Company, controlled 150,000 acres in New Jersey, New York, and Nova Scotia. Hasenclever introduced many technical innovations, and developed a far-flung industrial conglomerate. In 1770 he was succeeded by John Jacob Faesch, who served until the arrival of Robert Erskine.

Erskine lived at Ringwood during the Revolutionary War. Six years later, General George Washington appointed Erskine geographer and surveyor-general of the Continental Army. As the army’s first geographer, he produced nearly 300 detailed maps. Robert Erskine died on October 2, 1780 and is buried at Ringwood. Martin J. Ryerson purchased Ringwood in 1807. The mines were operated by the Ryersons until 1854 and then sold to Cooper Hewitt and Company.

The present structures reflect the period from 1854 to 1936, when the Hewitt’s resided at the manor and used it as a country estate. One can visualize Hewitt as the lord of his manor, with 33,000 acres of property, relaxing from the pressures of business in the congenial company of family and friends. In planning the gardens, Hewitt was inspired by the classical designs used for the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, and at Ringwood he created a jardin a la francaise for his personal enjoyment

Today, Ringwood Manor houses a splendid collection of furnishings, firearms, Hudson River School paintings, and prints and lithographs reflecting the personal preferences of a family estimated to have amassed the sixth largest personal fortune in America.

During the first two weekends in December, the house is open for Victorian Christmas, and for Victorian Spring festivities in April. Both fundraising events benefit on-going restoration projects. For additional information, call 973-962-2240.