Cornwall (Images of America)

Cornwall was founded in 1737 after a tremendous amount of iron ore was discovered in three hills. Mining started in earnest in 1742 when a charcoal furnace was constructed in Cornwall to smelt the iron ore. Operations of open pit and underground mining continued for more than 230 years until June 1972 when Hurricane Agnes flooded the mine. The iron ore was used to cast cannon and shot for the Continental army and later to construct our country’s buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. Vintage images culled from area archives illustrate the mining history, community culture, and development of the borough of Cornwall.