Sterling Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sterling Lake |
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| Sterling Pond | |
 Sterling Lake
Location in New York
Sterling Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Orange County, New York |
| Coordinates | 41°12′26″N 74°15′33″W / 41.2073350°N 74.2591597°W |
| Type | natural lake |
| Part of | Ramapo River Watershed |
| Primary outflows | Ringwood River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 288 acres (1.17 km2) |
| Max. depth | 120 ft (37 m) |
| Shore length1 | 4 mi (6.4 km) |
| Surface elevation | 751 ft (229 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Sterling Lake is a beautiful natural lake found in Sterling Forest State Park in New York State. It's a great spot for outdoor fun and also plays an important role for people living nearby.
This lake is home to many different kinds of fish. You can find Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Chain Pickerel here. If you enjoy fishing, you are welcome to cast a line from the shore. However, to keep the lake clean and safe, boats are not allowed on the water.
Around Sterling Lake, there are many scenic hiking trails. These trails let you explore the forest and enjoy nature. One special trail leads to the Sterling Mountain Fire Observation Tower and Observer's Cabin. From the top of this tower, you get an amazing 360-degree view of the entire forest, including a fantastic look at Sterling Lake itself.
Since 2018, Sterling Lake has been a source of drinking water for about 225 people. A company called SUEZ North America helps manage this important water supply.
Contents
History of Sterling Lake: A Mining Past
The area around Sterling Lake has a very interesting history, especially because of its rich deposits of a special rock called magnetite. Magnetite is a type of iron ore, which is a rock from which iron can be taken out.
Why Was Iron Ore Important Here?
Long before the American Revolution, this region was super important for getting iron ore. The iron was used by the colonies to make tools, weapons, and other important items.
Discovering the Mines
In 1750, people found iron ore at a place that became known as the old Sterling Mine. This mine was located on the south side of Sterling Lake. This discovery led to the creation of the Sterling Iron Works, a big operation that processed the iron ore.
Another mine, called the Lake Mine, actually went underneath Sterling Lake itself! This mine stretched for about 3,800 feet (which is over half a mile) and went down about 900 feet deep. Imagine mining so far down and even under a lake!
When the Mines Closed
Both the Sterling Mine and the Lake Mine were very active for many years. However, they finally closed down in 1921. Today, the underground tunnels and rooms of both these mines are completely filled with water.
