Mahwah in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
American Brake Shoe Foundry
& Ramapo Valley Road Bridge
On August 25, 1781 during the historic 600-mile march to what was the Revolutionary War’s decisive Battle of Yorktown, Gen. Rochambeau’s army was forced to ford this river because the bridge that was here was in poor shape. The bridge of today was built in 2010.
Opened here in the rural countryside in 1901, the Ramapo Foundry manufactured railroad brake shoes. It grew into a conglomerate with more than 500 workers at its largest facility in Mahwah. At this complex of labs, foundries, offices and worker housing, it made railroad & automotive products, hydraulics, castings & friction material. During WWII the foundry fulfilled defense contracts. From 1902-1943 it was called the American Brake Shoe and Foundry, and from 1943-1966 the American Brake Shoe Company. It closed in 1983 as part of Abex, IC Industries.
Erected 2010 by Bergen County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Revolutionary • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the The Washington-Rochambeau Route series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1781.
Location. 41° 6.201′ N, 74° 9.053′ W. Marker is in Mahwah, New Jersey, in Bergen County. Marker is at the intersection of Ramapo Valley Road (U.S. 202) and Breakshoe Place, on the right when traveling south on Ramapo Valley Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mahwah NJ 07430, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hopper Gristmill Site (approx. half a mile away); Ramapo Reformed Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Wanamaker Utility Shed (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mahwah’s First Station (approx. 0.6 miles away); Tree of Life (approx. 0.7 miles away); Rochambeau’s Encampment (approx. 0.8 miles away in New York); This Cannon “Independence” (approx. 0.8 miles away in New York); Soldier’s Monument (approx. 0.8 miles away in New York). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mahwah.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 4,577 times since then and 127 times this year. Last updated on January 30, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 28, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on April 4, 2015, by Clifton Patrick of Chester, NY, United States. 7. submitted on June 17, 2013, by D Howitt of Bergen County, New Jersey. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.