Here rolling and slitting mills were erected that engaged in the manufacture of nail rods and bar iron.

With the construction of the Morris Canal in 1830, the New Jersey Iron Company was organized.

This company built a new plant costing $283,000 (equivalent to $8.1 million in 2023) and imported skilled mechanics from England.

Under Fuller & Lord (1852–1876) the enterprise become an integrated industry with ore and timber reserves, canal boats, furnaces, mills and auxiliary plants.

It includes the Arch Bridge from the Boonton Ironworks and sections of the Morris Canal, previously listed on the NRHP.