The Sterling Hill Mine

Picture Credit: Tina Sutherland

Picture Credit: Tina Sutherland

In Ogdensburg, where I grew up and went to school, I frequently went on field trips to the Sterling Hill Mine. The Sterling Hill Mine opened in 1914 as an Iron and Zinc mine that reached a maximum depth of 2,675 feet underground. Ogdensburg became a popular spot for people to migrate to because of the mine and the opportunities for work that it presented. Sterling Hill was the last fully operational mine in New Jersey and officially closed its doors for commercial mining in 1986. Four years later in an effort to preserve the Sterling Hill Mine, it was sold and bought by new owners, who in August of 1990 opened the mine for tours, and had the Ellis Astronomical Observatory built. Tours of the mine and viewing sessions in the observatory both still occur at Sterling Hill today. In addition to tours and viewing sessions, the grounds of the Sterling Hill Mine are used for several different events. These events include the Haunted Mine fundraiser during Halloween, town-wide garage sales, food truck festivals, and mineral collecting workshops. You can visit the official website of the Sterling Hill Mine here.