Ramapo Water Tower Ruins

Embark on a 360-degree virtual journey around the mesmerizing Ramapo Water Tower ruins in New Jersey. These spherical panoramic images on Google Maps Street View allow urban explorers to immerse themselves in the haunting beauty of this abandoned landmark. Discover the rich history and hidden stories of the Ramapo Water Tower as you navigate through its intriguing remnants from the comfort of your own screen.

Image by: Mendy O

Image by: Sara A

About the Ramapo Water Tower

Nestled within the Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Oakland, New Jersey, the Ramapo Water Tower Ruins stand as a testament to early 20th-century architecture and the passage of time. This intriguing site has become a magnet for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the region’s past amid the serene backdrop of the forest.

Historical Background

The Ramapo Water Tower was constructed around 1910 as part of the Foxcroft estate, the summer residence of stockbroker William Porter and his wife, Ruth. Perched atop Fox Hill, the estate included a mansion, the water tower, and additional structures. The water tower’s primary function was to house a cistern that supplied water to the mansion, with rusted pipes adjacent to the tower still visible today.

Following William Porter’s death in a car accident, Ruth married attorney Warren Van Slyke, leading to the estate becoming known as Van Slyke Castle. The property changed hands several times and was eventually abandoned in the late 1940s. In 1959, vandals set fire to the mansion, leaving behind the stone ruins that remain today.

Current State of the Ramapo Water Tower Ruins

Today, the remnants of the water tower and the Van Slyke Castle are enveloped by nature, with the forest reclaiming much of the area. The stone structures, though weathered and marked by graffiti, exude a haunting beauty that captivates visitors. The water tower, in particular, stands as a silent sentinel over the landscape, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Urban explorers visiting the site can also find the ruins of a swimming pool and other outbuildings scattered nearby. The surrounding trails provide scenic views of the Wanaque Reservoir and, on clear days, glimpses of the New York City skyline.

Future Prospects

As part of the Ramapo Mountain State Forest, the ruins are protected under state conservation efforts. There are currently no specific restoration plans for the water tower or the castle ruins, allowing them to remain in their natural, deteriorated state. This preservation approach maintains the site’s allure for urban explorers seeking authentic, unaltered historical sites.

Visiting the Ramapo Water Tower Ruins

For those interested in exploring the Ramapo Water Tower Ruins, the Castle Loop Trail offers a moderate hike of approximately 3.1 miles. This trail meanders along the shore of Ramapo Lake and ascends Fox Hill, leading directly to the ruins. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding hills and, on clear days, the distant skyline of New York City.

If you liked this blog post, you might want to learn about the nearby Van Slyke Castle, the Rush Run Coke Ovens in West Virginia, or the Tsiranavor Church of Ashtarak in Armenia.

A 360-degree panoramic image captured outside the abandoned Ramapo Water Tower Ruins in Oakland, New Jersey. Image by: Sara A

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Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.

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