In an earlier post I mentioned that we (i.e. the Briarcliff Manor Historical Society) had organized a presentation on “The Chain that Saved the Colonies”. Much of the presentation focused on where this famous chain was created: Sterling Forest, NY. – specifically the Lakeville Ironworks section. On on a very pleasant, sunny day in February we decided to go and take a look.

Sterling Forest State Park is the site of the former community of Lakeville, the heart of the Sterling Ironworks in the Ramapo Highlands of New York and New Jersey. The first organized iron mining and processing operations in North America were conducted in the Highlands beginning in the early 1700s. Lakeville was a thriving community numbering up to 500 people at times, housing the miners and furnace and forge workers that toiled in the Sterling group of mines converting ore into iron and steel products for the home and farm. Lakeville iron processing was carried on until early in the 20th century and while the mines and furnaces no longer operate, the sense of its rich historical legacy is evoked by walking the remains of the community that lie about us. (Lakeville Ironworks Trail Brochure)

Above the famous Sterling Forest Furnace Number 2.

Taken with a Fuji X-E3 and Fuji XC 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II