Long Pond Ironworks State Park facts for kids
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Long Pond Ironworks State Park
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The Old Country Store at Long Pond Iron Works
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| Nearest city | West Milford, New Jersey |
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| Area | 145 acres (0.59 km2) |
| Built | 1766 |
| Website | https://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/longpondironworksstatepark.html |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001189 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 11, 1974 |
Long Pond Ironworks State Park is a cool place in Hewitt, part of West Milford, New Jersey, United States. This park is famous for its old stone walls and big furnaces. These are all that's left of a busy iron-making town. It sits right next to the fast-flowing Wanaque River. The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry takes care of the park. It covers about 145 acres, which is like 110 football fields!
History of the Ironworks
The ironworks were first built way back in 1766. They became a special historic place on January 11, 1974. This means they are important to the history of the United States.
A man named Peter Hasenclever started Long Pond Ironworks in 1766. He brought about 500 ironworkers and their families from Germany. They came to build a huge iron-making site. A dam at "Long Pond" (which is now Greenwood Lake) helped power the machines. The rushing water turned big wheels. This water power helped blow air into the furnaces. It also powered a large forge, which is where metal is shaped.
The ironworks made iron for many important events. They made iron for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. They also helped the American forces in the War of 1812. Later, they made iron for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Making metal stopped at this site in 1882. The ironworks couldn't compete with newer factories. These new factories were in places like Pittsburgh, which made iron cheaper.
What You Can See Today
You can still see many old buildings and structures from the 1700s and 1800s. There are old furnaces and the remains of casting houses. These are places where hot iron was poured into molds. You can also see places where materials were loaded. There are also ice houses and water wheels.
The park is being fixed up to preserve its history. The "Old Country Store" has been made new again. It is now the Long Pond Ironworks Museum. You can visit it to learn more about the past.
The village of Hewitt grew up around this iron-making business. It had a church, a store that was also a post office, and schools. There were also homes for the workers and managers.
You can find many structures in the park. There are two main water wheels. One is in good shape, but another was damaged. There is a very large furnace named Lucy. It exploded naturally a long time ago. There is another furnace that might be fixed one day. You can also find two smaller furnaces.
You can even take a tour on an old road. This road was once a turnpike. You can still see lots of slag there. Slag is the rocky waste left over from melting iron. You can also see charcoal, which was used to fuel the furnaces.
Monksville Reservoir
Near the park is Monksville Reservoir. This reservoir is known for its big fish! You can find large muskellunge, walleye, bass, and trout here. It's a popular spot for people who love to fish. Sporting clubs and the US Sailing Association also use the reservoir. You can easily get to it from boat ramps on the north or south sides. The area is open all day, every day.
