In the early 19th century, Abram Dater built an iron forge on the Ramapo River, and a grist mill and a saw mill soon followed. Between 1836 and 1841, the Erie Railroad built a line through Sloatsburg, resulting in a major increase in the population and prosperity of the village. After the Civil War, the village prospered until the great flood of 1903 destroyed most of the factories in the town. First built close to the river for its water power, many were never rebuilt.
In the early 19th century Abram Dater built an iron forge on the Ramapo River and a grist mill and a saw mill soon followed Between 1836 and 1841 the Erie Railroad built a line through Sloatsburg resulting in a major increase in the population and prosperity of the village After the Civil War the village prospered until the great flood of 1903 destroyed most of the factories in the town First built close to the river for its water power many were never rebuilt