Ringwood

Founding and Early Mentions

The history of Ringwood dates back to the early 18th century and is inextricably linked to the industrial development of the region. Originally, these lands located in the Ramapo Mountains were inhabited by the indigenous Lenape people, who used the local natural bounty for hunting and fishing. European settlers turned their attention to this territory after discovering rich deposits of iron ore here.

The official beginning of the town's history is considered to be 1740, when the Ogden family purchased the land and established the first ironworks here. It was the creation of the Ringwood Company that served as the catalyst for the formation of a permanent settlement, which developed as a classic "company town" of that era.

Key Factors in Its Development

The development of Ringwood was determined by a unique combination of natural conditions and entrepreneurial initiative. Geography played a decisive role in the town's fate:

• Natural Resources: The presence of vast forests for charcoal production, powerful water streams to drive machinery, and, most importantly, deposits of magnetite iron ore created ideal conditions for the iron industry.
• Industrial Growth: The construction of blast furnaces and forges turned Ringwood into one of the most important industrial centers of colonial America.
• Strategic Location: Its position in the New Jersey highlands, near New York City, allowed for the efficient establishment of trade links and product distribution.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Unlike many agrarian settlements of the time, Ringwood's economy and culture formed around Ringwood Manor—the estate of the managers and owners of the iron mines. This gave the settlement the characteristics of a feudal estate with a clear hierarchy, where the lives of the workers were closely tied to the success of the enterprise.

An important milestone was the arrival in 1764 of the German industrialist Peter Hasenclever, who brought with him skilled German miners and workers, significantly enriching the settlement's cultural landscape. Later, under the leadership of the talented cartographer and engineer Robert Erskine, Ringwood reached the peak of its early economic power, producing high-quality iron, tools, and parts for the needs of the growing country.

Chronology of Ringwood's Development

• 1740: The Ogden family purchases land and establishes the first ironworks, beginning the region's industrial history.
• 1764: Industrialist Peter Hasenclever buys the enterprise and brings in skilled German workers to expand iron production.
• 1771: Scottish engineer Robert Erskine takes over management of the ironworks complex.
• 1776–1783: During the Revolutionary War, local factories produce vital goods, including parts of the massive chain used to block the Hudson River.
• 1807: Martin Ryerson acquires the business and begins construction of a new manor house.
• 1853: The famous inventor and philanthropist Peter Cooper buys the estate, reviving ore mining.
• 1860s: Abram Hewitt, Cooper's son-in-law, begins a large-scale reconstruction of Ringwood Manor, transforming it into a grand summer residence.
• 1918: Ringwood officially receives borough status, becoming an independent administrative unit.
• 1930: Completion of the Wanaque Reservoir, which significantly altered the local landscape and became a major water source.
• 1938: Erskine Hewitt transfers the historical manor and lands to the State of New Jersey to create a state park.
• 1966: Ringwood Manor is officially designated a National Historic Landmark.
• 1984: The State Governor designates the gardens of the Skylands estate as the official New Jersey State Botanical Garden.

Development Milestones: From Mines to Garden City

The history of Ringwood is a journey of transformation from a purely industrial settlement to a picturesque suburb with a rich cultural heritage. Several key stages can be identified that defined the modern character of the town:

• The "Iron Empire" Era (18th–19th Centuries).
  The founding of ironworks was the town-forming factor. Ore mining not only attracted the first settlers but also provided the region with economic stability for a century and a half. It was during this period that the basic road infrastructure for transporting raw materials was established.
• Architectural Flowering (Mid-19th Century).
  With the transition of land to the Cooper and Hewitt families, the town began to change its image. The reconstruction of the manor and the improvement of the grounds introduced elements of Victorian aesthetics and landscape gardening to the harsh industrial landscape, turning a working settlement into a cultural center.
• Administrative Self-Determination (1918).
  Gaining official borough status allowed residents to create their own local government. This event was the starting point for the development of municipal services, schools, and civic institutions independent of the mine owners.
• Landscape Revolution (1920s–1930s).
  The construction of the massive Wanaque Reservoir radically changed the local geography. The project required flooding part of the territory, but in return, the town gained a picturesque body of water that is now a vital part of the ecosystem and landscape.
• Transition to a Recreational Economy (Since 1938).
  The transfer of the historical estates to the State of New Jersey marked the end of the era of private landholdings. This decision allowed for the preservation of unique historical sites and reoriented the town toward tourism, making it a popular getaway for city dwellers.
• Botanical Recognition (1984).
  Granting the gardens of the Skylands estate the status of the official New Jersey State Botanical Garden solidified Ringwood's reputation as the "green heart" of the region, attracting nature lovers and landscape design enthusiasts.

Architectural Landscape and Development Phases

Ringwood's architecture is unique because it lacks the dense urban grid typical of most cities. The settlement’s character was shaped not by city blocks, but by large manor complexes and industrial sites scattered among the Ramapo Mountains. The construction history can be divided into several key stages, each leaving a distinct mark on the style of local buildings.

1. The Era of Industrial Utilitarianism and the Federal Style (18th – early 19th Century)

Early construction in Ringwood was driven by the needs of the iron industry. Buildings were erected for functional purposes: smelting shops, forges, and worker housing. The architecture of this period was characterized by simplicity and reliability.

• Style: Colonial and Federal.
• Characteristics: Strict symmetry, use of local stone and timber, and a lack of excessive decoration.
• Landmark: The core of Ringwood Manor. Originally a relatively modest Federal-style house built by Martin Ryerson in 1807, it later became the foundation for the grand estate.

2. Victorian Eclecticism and the Gilded Age (Mid-19th – early 20th Century)

When the land passed to the Hewitt family, Ringwood transformed from a working village into an elite summer residence. The owners sought to demonstrate their status through architecture, following the fashions of the time.

• Style: Victorian Eclecticism, Gothic Revival, and Italianate.
• Characteristics: Asymmetrical facades, the appearance of towers and spires, spacious verandas, decorative cornices, and a blend of elements from different eras in a single building.
• Landmark: The remodeled Ringwood Manor. The Hewitts expanded the house over decades, turning it into a 51-room palace. The building's facade is a visual encyclopedia of Victorian tastes, where classical proportions sit alongside romantic elements.

3. Historicism and Tudor Revival (1920s)

In the early 20th century, the desire for European aesthetics reached its peak. Architects began creating buildings that imitated the past, leading to the emergence of masterpieces styled after English country estates.

• Style: Tudor Revival (Neo-Tudor) and Jacobean.
• Characteristics: Use of rough stone, steep gabled roofs, tall chimneys, stained-glass windows, and massive oak doors.
• Landmark: Skylands Manor. Built in the 1920s and designed by architect John Russell Pope, this mansion made of local granite is styled after an English castle. It is one of the finest examples of this style in New Jersey.

4. Modern Suburbanization (Mid-20th Century – Present)

After World War II and the creation of the Wanaque Reservoir, the town finally took on the characteristics of a "bedroom" suburb for the middle class.

• Style: Ranch style and Neo-Colonial.
• Urban Planning: Development is characterized by low density. Instead of corridor-like streets, winding roads that hug the lakes and hills prevail. Private homes are often hidden behind trees, creating the feeling of living in a park rather than a city.

Historical Figures and Industrialists

The history of Ringwood is inextricably linked with the names of people who not only developed local industry but also influenced the course of the entire country's history. Here are the key figures who left their mark on the town's annals:

• Robert Erskine (1735–1780) — Cartographer and Engineer.
  Manager of the Ringwood ironworks and a close friend of George Washington. He went down in history as the "Forgotten General" and the Geographer-General of the Continental Army. It was his maps that played a crucial role in strategic planning during the War for Independence. He is buried on the grounds of Ringwood Manor.
• Peter Cooper (1791–1883) — Inventor, Industrialist, and Philanthropist.
  One of the wealthiest men of his time, a U.S. presidential candidate, and the creator of the first American steam locomotive, the "Tom Thumb." He owned land in Ringwood, revived ore mining here, and used the estate as a summer residence. He was the founder of the famous Cooper Union college in New York City.
• Abram Stevens Hewitt (1822–1903) — Politician and "Father of the Subway".
  Peter Cooper's son-in-law, Mayor of New York, and a U.S. Congressman. It was he who transformed the modest manager's house into the luxurious 51-room Ringwood Manor mansion we see today. Hewitt played a key role in the development of the U.S. steel industry.
• Francis Lynde Stetson (1846–1920) — Lawyer and Business Tycoon.
  A confidant of J.P. Morgan. Stetson acquired extensive lands in Ringwood and founded the Skylands estate. He began the creation of the unique botanical gardens that are now the official New Jersey State Botanical Garden.

Famous Contemporaries and Athletes

In the 20th and 21st centuries, quiet and picturesque Ringwood became home to many outstanding athletes and cultural figures seeking privacy away from major metropolitan areas.

• Carol Heiss Jenkins — Figure Skater and Actress.
  The 1960 Olympic champion and five-time world champion in figure skating. After finishing her brilliant sporting career, she lived in Ringwood for a long time, remaining an icon of American sport.
• Wayne Chrebet — American Football Player.
  A legendary wide receiver for the New York Jets, who spent his entire 11-year career with the club. He is known for living in Ringwood during the period of his most significant sporting achievements.
• Doug Collins — Basketball Player and Coach.
  An NBA star, 1972 Olympic silver medalist, and successful coach who worked with Michael Jordan. He was a resident of Ringwood at various points in his career.