The Cranberry Lake Suspension Footbridge represents the economic and transportation histories of the Sussex County area. The area has been rich in iron ore deposits for centuries, and the iron industry has driven the economy of this area since 1760. At that time, the iron industry was quite localized, but was enough to keep the local economy sound. By the start of the 19th century and the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the area’s iron industry was needed to support rapidly expanding economies outside Sussex County. In order to benefit from the iron deposits of the area, it became important to move the iron ore to the port cities of Elizabeth and Jersey City. Unfortunately, transportation was a big challenge. (more details)