Thomas Edison's Ironworks and Mines
Posted by: 
briansnat
N 41° 03.820 W 074° 34.230
18T E 536086 N 4545913
Quick Description: In the 1890's Thomas Edison built a huge iron mining and processing operation here. Closed by 1900, it has since been reclaimed by nature and is relatively unknown even to locals.
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 2/9/2008 9:44:52 AM
Waymark Code: WM34JA
Views: 120
Long Description:In the 1890's, Thomas Edison established an iron mining and
processing complex on over 2,000 acres of land on Sparta Mountain.
At its peak it employed over 500 people.
Edison invented a unique process to separate the iron from the
low grade ore found at this site.
Unfortunately for Edison, shortly after he opened this complex,
extensive, high quality iron ore deposits were discovered in
Minnesota making Edison's operation unprofitable. He lost over 2
million dollars (quite a sum in the day) before closing the
operation in 1900.
The coordinates point to a monument at the trailhead, but the
entire area is rich with historic ruins, numerous hiking trails,
abandoned railroads and abandoned mines. It is a fascinating area
to explore and one that is known but to a handful of people.
To log your visit, there is a quote from Edison on the
monument that says "I can at any time get a job at $____ a month as
a telegrapher and that will amply take care of my personal
requirements.". What is the dollar amount stated? Please e-mail the
owner with the answer and do not place the answer in your
log.
Visit Instructions:
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when that alternative is allowed). The answers should be emailed to
the waymark owner for verification, not to the category officers.
Answers should never be posted in the logs. Visitor are also asked
to rank their experience for "Wow". Premium members should use the
ranking feature (1 means "wasn't worth the visit" and 5 means
"Wow"). Non-premium members can let us know in their logs.