The Edison mine was owned by Thomas Alva Edison. Many people didn't know he had a very large and extensive mine operation called the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Concentrating Works in Sparta NJ. The Mine complex was so large in the late 1800's, that at its height Edison employed over 500 workers. The mine almost broke Edison, however he somehow managed to break even in the end be recovering his cost in ingenious ways. Edison had over 2 million of his own dollars in the mine during the 1800's and was one of the first places in the world to provide electricity for the miners homes!
Before Edison brought out the entire area, over 5 independent mine companies extracted ore from the earth here. They were called the Victor Mine, Roberts/Pardee Mine, Old Ogden Mine, Davenport Mine, Knoll mine and the Vulcan Mine. Most of the shafts have collapsed, were filled with sand, or are water filled, as mining on this scale has been replaced by far larger operations, much in the same way recent years have brought a wealth of cheap flights instead of expensive journeys through the air. There are numerous big cuts, including the famous "Horseshoe cut". There are also a few small adits stored away in well hidden location.
Rodney Johnson is the author of "Thomas Edisons Ogden Baby". The complete story of the Edison Mines and the New Jersey & Pennsylvania Concentrating Works. The book features overlay Maps with locations of the original structures, many photographs, research and in an in depth look into the Mines of Edison not found anywhere else.
More on his book is available at Rodney's Website at www.map-maker.net
Video - Inside the Edison Mines
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Disclaimer: This site attempts to presents a historical perspective to the arm chair explorere on the mines of NJ & NY. The owners and authors do not condone visiting these mines, as they are dangerous and life threatening. We do not take responsibility for any injuries or death which may occur by visiting these mines nore will we give directions to anyone. All mines were thoroughly examined, with all suitable precautions taken when documenting these sites.