"Sterling Iron" is the story of the mines, iron furnaces and railways in Sterling Forest NY. The story starts in 1738 wnen when the first "bloomery" was constructed at Sterling Lake. Sterling Mine was opened in 1750 and the first Iron Furnace is built at the foot of Sterling Lake. The Chain Across the Hudson was forged here in 1778. Cannons and anchors were produced for the war of 1812. 1864 saw the coming of the railways. Several of the mines were completely renovated after WWI but then abandoned. I will be telling these and many more interesting tales in my new book.
I am looking for photographs, letters, oral history and artifacts to add to my understanding what has happened over the last 275 years. If you, or someone you know, has any information please use the [Information?] window and leave your E-mail address so I can get back to you. If you prefer you may E-Mail rod@map-maker.netdirectly.
Thomas Edison's "Ogden Baby"
My last book; "Thomas Edison's "Ogden Baby" The New Jersey and Pennsylvania Concentrating Works" is now available on line. The book contains many photographs showing the Works when it was in operation at the end of the 19th Century and is a tribute to Thomas Edison's genius and perseverance. Also included are numerous photos taken in the 21th Century showing what is left on top of Sparta Mountain near Ogdensburg, NJ. This book is intended to help identify these ruins and show what once existed on top of Sparta Mountain. There are fascinating ruins, great trails, abandoned railroads and ancient mines to explore.
Above all is the sense that something great happened here over one hundred years ago.