Copper ore was discovered in the hills of this township prior to the Revolution, and mining commenced on the face of First Mountain. A drift was run in over 700 feet beneath the hill, but when New Jersey became the theatre of the war operations were interrupted, and finally ceased. No further development was attempted until about 1821, when Augustus F. Cammann commenced excavations on 3 acres of ground (part of the old works), which he rented of Mr. Hodge and afterwards purchased. He continued work on this land until 1823, when he associated with him Mr. Goold Hoyt, of New York, in the formation of "The Bridgewater Company." Three tracts (about 400 acres) were purchased: a tract of 100 acres, north and east of Somerville, on First Mountain ; the "Compton tract," of 188 acres, and the "Wintersteen tract," embracing 110 acres. In the Hollow, near where Francis Smith now lives, and at Chimney Rock, on the road from Bound Brook to Martinsville, they erected smelting-works, and imported two expert smelters from Germany. Their operations extended from 1823 to 1830, when they ceased, under pressure of financial difficulties.

About 1835, Albert Cammann (son of Augustus) and Peter I. Stryker organized "The Washington Mining Company," and purchased of James Hodge the right of mining on 150 acres, formerly the Kearney tract, west of Chimney Rock, adjoining the Dr. Elvender tract of the Bridgewater company. A drift was run into the hill 700 feet from the east end, and another 300 feet from the south. The ore taken from this mine wait not smelted here, but was "trimmed" and transported in barrels to Boston. It contained about seventy-five per cent of pure copper. Afterwards sale was made of this right and the property to parties living in Boston, the name of the company remaining the same. Three months' labor by the latter produced good results, but water coming into the drifts compelled them to cease. Nothing has since been done.

Cammann and Stryker were shareholders in the "Somerville Mining Company," which operated to a limited extent on the "John Steele tract," lying above the Middle or Compton tract, on the same mountain, belonging to the Bridgewater company.
About forty years ago, Peter Paul, Sr., William Tucker, and William Tanner purchased a mining right of 100 acres near Martinsville. This right was purchased, and is still owned, by James Hodge.

A mine was opened on the land of Richard R.. Field some years ago, but little was accomplished, and the work was discontinued. The mine is now being reopened with a prospect of success.