Mahwah in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
American Brake Shoe Foundry
& Ramapo Valley Road Bridge
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 26, 2011
1. American Brake Shoe Foundry Marker
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 date for this entry is August 25, 1781.
Location. 41° 6.201′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
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
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 26, 2011
2. American Brake Shoe Foundry Marker
Additional commentary.
1. About the American Brake Shoe Plant
Worked on the 48 track hump yard controller at the Mahwah plant, there were three of us that built the walk-in stepping relay rack that was about 6'x6'x7' high. The railroad executives came to visit to approve of it. They also went to our Chicago branch and looked at the ‘new’ transistorized tabletop controller that cost about a third. They accepted our monstrosity after we agreed to make it a portable unit by welding an loop hook on the top. Their reason was simple—and it was the day I figured we were lost as a railroad nation—they told us that ‘they had people that knew relays, but not transistors, and did not want to waste money on training them.’ ... gee...so SAD!
My father was the head maintenance man at the Mahwah Nike Base, and he was the only person to go into the missile pit and put out the fire that was caused by the outside contractors. If he had not risked his life, there
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 26, 2011
3. Marker at the Ramapo Valley Road Bridge
The current Ramapo Valley Road Bridge is pictured here behind the marker.
Les Paul would give me a ride to the Ramsey High School each morning, and when he did not, then the J. Fred Mugs owner would.
—William (Bill) McElroy
— Submitted May 4, 2025.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 26, 2011
4. Washington-Rochambeau Marker
The route taken by the armies of Washington and Rochambeau has been marked by this banner located near the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 26, 2011
5. W3R Marker
Revolutionary Route
1780-1783
Photographed by Clifton Patrick, April 4, 2015
6. Former American Brake Shoe Foundry Offices & Laboratory buildings.
Photographed by Doran Howitt, June 2, 2013
7. Ramapo Valley Road Bridge Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 7,375 times since then and 210 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.
