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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 Location in Passaic County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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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 to visit in Hewitt, New Jersey. It's part of West Milford, New Jersey, and is known for its old stone walls and furnaces. These are the remains of a busy town that once made iron. The park sits right next to the Wanaque River. It covers about 145 acres (0.59 km²) and is managed by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.
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Exploring Long Pond Ironworks
The Long Pond Ironworks became a special historic place on January 11, 1974. It was important for its role in making iron. The ironworks started in 1766 thanks to Peter Hasenclever. He brought 500 ironworkers and their families from Germany to build this iron-making "plantation."
How Iron Was Made Here
A dam at "Long Pond" (Greenwood Lake) provided the power. This water power helped run a blast furnace and a large forge. These machines were essential for turning raw materials into iron. The ironworks made iron for the Continental Army during the American Revolution. It also supplied iron for the American forces in the War of 1812. Later, it helped the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Why the Ironworks Closed
Making iron here stopped in 1882. Newer, bigger factories in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania made iron more cheaply. This caused the Long Pond Ironworks to go out of business.
What You Can See Today
Today, you can explore the remains of the iron-making buildings. These structures are from the 1700s and 1800s. You'll find old furnaces, parts of the casting house, and areas where materials were loaded. There are also ice houses and water wheels. The park is being restored to preserve its history.
The "Old Country Store" has been fixed up. It now holds the Long Pond Ironworks Museum. Here, you can learn all about the history of the ironworks. The original village of Hewitt grew up around this iron-making business. It had a church, a store (which was also the post office), schools, and homes for the workers and managers.
Tours and Discoveries
Many structures are still standing at Long Pond Ironworks. There are two main water wheels that are in pretty good shape. One of them was damaged by vandals in 1957, but it's still there. You can also see several furnaces of different sizes. If you take a tour, you can spot slag (waste from iron-making) and charcoal (used as fuel) left over from the old days.
Fun at Monksville Reservoir
Monksville Reservoir is a great spot for outdoor activities. It's known for its big fish, like muskellunge, walleye, bass, and trout. Many anglers and sporting clubs enjoy fishing here. The US Sailing Association also uses the reservoir.
Boating and Fishing
You can easily get to the reservoir from boat ramps on the north or south sides. It's open all year round for everyone to enjoy. The reservoir sits on top of what used to be the community of Monksville, New Jersey.
Images for kids
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Plein air painters painting at Long Pond in Ringwood, NJ.
