History of Kinnelon "Iron Works"

| History: Iron |

Content for the History Section is provided by Lucy A. Meyer in her book Kinnelon: A History
Published by The Kinnelon Bicentennial Committee (1976)

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More The Iron-Ore Industry in Kinnelon

The search for iron was one of the most important factors in the development of Kinnelon. The streaks of gray and black in the rock indicated a source of iron ore. England's use of Iron was significant to their economy. Most of their woodlands were used up due to the processing of charcoal. New areas were eagerly sought.

It was soon discovered that our hills were a good source for Iron. Men from the Newark and Elizabeth area set forth to explore areas that were rich in iron ore. As they moved north and west our area was discovered. Iron forges were then erected in areas of iron ore deposits.

In 1740 the Ogdens had purchased land and formed the Ringwood Company. The Ogdens may have been the first to start major mining for iron ore in our area. The mining conditions in our area were ideal. The iron ore stood near the surface of the ground, streams and rivers were nearby to provide power for the furnace and wood was amble-providing charcoal which was needed to separate the iron ore from the rock. The operation of these furnaces consumed about 1000 acres of woodland per forge per year. The result, charcoal was developed by skilled labor. Colliers as they were known were some of the highest paid workers. They managed the operation by the placement and burning of trees to season the wood into charcoal. Evidence of these areas may still be seen today as large pits or bowls in the forest.

England seeing the value of this land sent Peter Hasenclever , (German) to manage iron ore operations in America. In 1765 he had purchased over 6000 acres which became know as the Great Charlotteburg Furnace Tract. A large part of this land occupied Kinnelon on its northern border along the Pequannock River. See Map dated October 1767. The name Charlotteburg was used in honor of King George III's wife Charlotte. Peter Hansenclever had hired hundreds of people to work the tract, many of them German because they were experienced in this area or work.

To give you an idea of the structures that were built by the company between 1765-1766, see chart below.

1-Furnace
2-Forges, with 8 fires 80 ' long and 45' broad
1-Stamping Mill
3-Coal Houses
2- Blacksmith shops
7- Frame houses with bricks
37-Log houses
3- Store Houses
2-Saw Mills
3- Stables
1- Carpenter's shop
2- Reservoirs
3- Ponds
5- Bridges.

In 1771 Robert Erskine, well educated in England by studying their iron works, was hired to run the Charlotteburg tract. Erskine increased the efficiency of the furnaces but it wasn't enough. The iron ore created was transported to New York via a stop in Passaic. The route was long and difficult. Due to the expense of operating the furnaces the London Company placed the business up for sale. By 1772 the Charlotteburg tract cease to exist. It's unknown exactly what had happen. One theory is that the British lacked control over Robert Erskine and the Charlotteburg Tract and therefore came into the area and destroyed the furnaces.