Edwin Salter on Bergen Iron works, 1882
the following bit of history is taken from an article written by Edwin Salter for the New Jersey Courier on June 28, 1882. "The old Bergen Iron Works was originally built about 1814 by Jesse Richards, and it is said Wm. Irvin was a partner. It was then called the Washington Furnace. It was subsequently rebuilt by Joseph W. Brick, and named Bergen Iron Works. The ore found in the vicinity made a very brittle iron and gave Washington a poor reputation. hence the change in the name, Bergen county being celebrated for its good iron. "