Perched above the South Branch of the Raritan River, Solitude House is one of High Bridge’s most treasured historic landmarks, reflecting over two centuries of American history. (Click here for directions)
Constructed in the early 1700s and once home to generations of the Taylor family—prominent figures in the borough’s industrial legacy—the house served as the residence of ironmasters who shaped the region’s economy and culture. This stately colonial-era home witnessed pivotal moments from Revolutionary times through the rise of the Taylor Wharton Iron and Steel Company, and stands today as a symbol of endurance, innovation, and community heritage.
Preserved and showcased by the High Bridge Historical Committee, Solitude House continues to welcome visitors into the story of a town built on craftsmanship, resilience, and timeless charm.
Stretching boldly across the South Branch of the Raritan River, the original High Bridge was a marvel of 19th-century engineering and the namesake of the borough itself. (Click here for directions)
Constructed as part of the Central Railroad of New Jersey’s ambitious expansion, this towering iron railway bridge connected rural Hunterdon County to the industrial centers of the Northeast, fueling economic growth and placing High Bridge on the map. Its dramatic elevation and enduring silhouette became a symbol of progress, uniting the town’s rugged natural beauty with its dynamic industrial past.
Over time the bridge was replaced by an earthen embankment and now has two dramatic arched tunnels, one spanning the South Branch of the Raritan River, the other for automobile traffic.
The Lake Solitude Dam in High Bridge, NJ is a remarkable piece of engineering and local history. Originally built in 1858 by the Taylor Iron and Steel Company to power its ironworks, the dam created Lake Solitude—a 20-acre reservoir that became both a functional asset and a beloved recreational spot. (Click here for directions)
In 1909, the original timber crib dam was replaced by a 40-foot-high buttress dam, designed by renowned civil engineer Frank S. Tainter, making it the last remaining example of its kind in New Jersey.
Today, the dam and its spillway—locally known as Taylor Falls—are celebrated for their historical significance and scenic beauty. The structure features concrete-encased steel beams anchored into bedrock, a pioneering design at the time. It’s a centerpiece of the Taylor Steelworkers Historic Greenway, offering visitors a chance to explore High Bridge’s industrial past while enjoying nature trails, fishing spots, and panoramic views.
From colonial times to its industrial heyday, metal industries helped shape the identity of High Bridge, New Jersey.
The Union Iron Works, established by William Allen in 1742 casted cannonballs for the George Washington’s Revolutionary Army. Robert Taylor purchased the forge and surrounding land in 1803 and later became Taylor Iron and Steel Company (TISCO). (Click here for directions)
The first pour of manganese steel in the U.S. was carried out at the site in 1892. In 1912, the company merged with the William Wharton Jr. Company to become the Taylor-Wharton Iron and Steel Company. It produced a wide range of forged and cast items for both industrial and military uses, including manganese steel products, armor-piercing and other military shells, buckets and teeth for dredges used for excavating the Panama Canal and mining, train wheels, railroad tracks and switches, tracks for military tanks and half-track vehicles.
The site is still operational today where Trident Maritime Systems manufactures high-performance alloyed forgings, fittings, and industrial piping solutions for maritime industries.