Visited this historic site back in 1984 with my friend Jackie, and I’m saddened to report that 40 years later, in 2024, the Clinton Furnace has collapsed. I’ve attached photos I took in '84, showing the sturdy stone structure with its arched opening, standing tall amidst the West Milford woods. We explored inside, and I even captured the cylindrical interior - looking up through the top adds a unique perspective.
The Clinton Furnace, built in 1826, was once the heart of the village of Clinton, a bustling iron making community. Powered by Clinton Brook and fueled by local iron ore and charcoal from the surrounding forest, it drew life to the area, serving as the economic and social center until its operations ceased in 1837. A nearby forge kept things going sporadically until 1852, but the furnace remained a symbol of the village’s past.Today, after decades of weathering and neglect, the structure has given way, a stark contrast to its proud state in my photos. The site, now part of the Newark Watershed, is fenced off, and the collapse adds a layer of melancholy to its history. If you’re a history buff or just curious, these images offer a glimpse of what once was—shared with a friend—before time took its toll. Worth a virtual visit, but tread carefully if you’re ever nearby!
Park a bit behind the bridge or in front of it and look down to the right off the bridge. You should see a half destroyed furnace. Be careful though, as I was in there many times, sometimes the bricks fall down and you Really do not want that to hit your head.
Hey, an actual structure on this legendary road? How mind-boggling! A haunted road with a haunted house, now haunted by the Clintons? All in one in the Clintons furnace?
How haunting is it, that the Government did not demolish this landmark? A furnace is rather bad for the environment, even a landmark cant be left standing if it once was intended to be used in a polluting way. Well, maybe the ghosts have kept it up all along. The Clinton ghosts, and ghosts they are! Although when functional it could be a rather inefficient way to stay warm on a cold day and hide from the elements in a haunted spot...
But honestly, this is just an old house subject to some old legends!
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