Boonton Ironworks

Boonton Ironworks occupies 53 acres within Grace Lord Park, featuring stone foundations, blast furnace remnants, and traces of the Morris Canal that once powered operations. The site displays the physical remains of a major production facility where metal products were manufactured during its operational years.

Samuel Ogden established the site in 1770, developing production facilities along the Rockaway River with rolling and cutting mills to manufacture nail rods. By 1830, the New Jersey Iron Company invested significantly in new manufacturing facilities, marking a major expansion of operations.

The industrial site shaped Boonton's identity by drawing skilled metalworkers from England who established families rooted in ironmaking traditions. This influx of craftspeople created a tight-knit community whose daily life revolved around the demands and rhythms of metal production.

The site is accessible through Grace Lord Park, which connects to walking trails and features informational signs about industrial heritage. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and the ruins are left in their natural state.

The Morris Canal, which once powered the factory operations, survives today only as scattered remnants that hint at early 19th-century engineering ingenuity. This water-based infrastructure was vital to the facility's productivity and fascinates visitors interested in industrial history.

Location: Boonton

GPS coordinates: 40.90500,-74.41333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:22