The Forges and Manor of Ringwood is an historic center, sacred ground to the Native Americans and a site of important American developments, both industrial and social, during the Colonial, Federal, and Victorian periods. The manor and the surrounding lands provide a window into New Jersey history.

During the American Revolution, Ringwood was a supply center, transportation route, strategic headquarters, and site of George Washington's critical defense mapping agency. Ringwood and the surrounding Highlands iron works supplied the ore for three wars, urban growth and rail systems.

Later, Ringwood grew into a "Great Estate," a place which influenced the flow of our nation's cultural, political and industrial history. Due to the influence of Abram Hewitt and Peter Cooper, Ringwood was referred to as the "second White House."

With historical structures in an original setting (on 582 acres of the original 38,000) and extensive historical collections illustrative of family life, community, industry and culture, The Forges and Manor of Ringwood is recognized as a National Historic Landmark District and a unique repository of American history.