Mining operations were said to have begun around 1710 and operated continuously through the 1970s. John Jacob Faesch was the first to develop Mount Hope into an iron plantation with the erection of a stone furnace in 1772 and operated the facility until his death in 1799. Various owners and lessees ran the furnace until 1831 when The Mount Hope Mining Company was incorporated in response to the opening of the Morris Canal and its transportation opportunities.
Mining activities commenced around 1710 and continued through the 1970s. John Jacob Faesch was the first to transform Mount Hope into an iron plantation by constructing a stone furnace in 1772, operating it until his demise in 1799. Various proprietors and tenants managed the furnace until 1831 when The Mount Hope Mining Company was established due to the opening of the Morris Canal and its transportation benefits.