The Legacy of John A. Roebling’s Kinkora Works:
Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River, the John A. Roebling Kinkora Works site stands as a testament to American industrial prowess and innovation during the 19th century. Founded by John A. Roebling, a German-born engineer, this site played a pivotal role in shaping the infrastructure of not just the United States, but the world!
John A. Roebling, best known for his design of the Brooklyn Bridge, was an innovative thinker whose contributions to engineering and architecture are profound. Before tackling the iconic bridge, Roebling established the Kinkora Works to manufacture wire rope, a material essential for suspension bridges, elevators, and even telegraph systems.
Situated in Roebling, New Jersey, the site was strategically chosen for its proximity to the Delaware River, aiding in transportation and power generation.
Kinkora Works was where Roebling perfected the process of making wire rope, introducing machines for wire drawing, twisting, and laying. His innovations included the use of high-quality steel, which was crucial for the durability and safety of his bridges.
The wire rope produced here was used in some of the most significant engineering projects of the era, including not only the Brooklyn Bridge but also the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge, showcasing the site’s influence on global connectivity.
An impressive example is the John A. Roebling Bridge-a National Historic Landmark that has stood over the Ohio River for 150 Years. I had the honor of stumbling upon this bridge when traveling in Kentucky and was very impressed with the vast expanse of Roebling’s historical value.
More Information on this National Historic Landmark can be found here: https://roeblingbridge.org/
By the mid-20th century, with changes in technology and the economic landscape, the need for traditional wire rope diminished, leading to the eventual closure of the works.
TODAY
Currently, this historical site is actively being preserved. You can walk or bike along a good portion of the site along the scenic Delaware River at the Roebling Park. You can pay a visit to the Roebling Museum to see incredible historic artifacts and learn additional history about how this location left it’s mark on the world of American industrial history.
Visit the Roebling Museum page here: https://www.roeblingmuseum.org/
The John A. Roebling Kinkora Works site is more than just a relic of the past; it’s a narrative of technological advancement, human ambition, and the industrial dreams that shaped modern civilization. As we look at the remnants of this once-thriving industrial hub, we’re reminded of the continuous thread of progress that links us to our history and propels us towards the future. Whether you’re an engineer, a history enthusiast, or simply someone interested in the stories behind our world, Kinkora Works offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial soul of America. Let’s keep this legacy alive, not just in memory, but as an active part of our cultural and educational landscape, inspiring new generations to dream big and innovate.
HAUNTED HISTORY
You may be asking, given my normal posts, is this historic location haunted?
This entire location was a Superfund Site that the USEPA spent decades cleaning up and rehabilitating, turning it into the beautiful open space that it is now. The Village of Roebling in Florence Township, New Jersey, is a community that was created as a company town for the Roebling Mill. The entire village was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
There have been many reports of ghosts and paranormal activity in the museum and the area of the old mills. EPA workers reported seeing a face looking out of the second-floor window of an old building – repeatedly. This presence would stare at the workers and when they investigated, there was nobody present in the closed building.
There is one spirit that visitors, especially woman, report encountering often at the Roebling Museum. Visitors entering the Roebling Room gallery report feeling uncomfortable, watched, threatened and most disturbing – getting touched.
The Roebling Room gallery stands where the village’s three jail cells were housed in the days of the steel mills. One notorious village resident, Elex Passternak was held there in 1939 after being arrested. Passternak was a Hungarian worker who hanged himself after being arrested for harassing young women.
Is Erik who people are encountering at the Roebling Museum?
I have toured the Roebling Museum and the vast surrounding grounds many times. I also have encountered a male spirit in the Roebling Museum as well as on the old grounds of the mills. This spirit makes me very uncomfortable and appears to be watching at all times – ensuring everyone stays in line. Is this Erik or is it John A. Roebling? My impression is that John A. Roebling continues to watch over the site that was is impressive legacy.
