Hibernia is known for its rich iron mining history, thanks to the longest magnetite deposits in New Jersey. Mining began here in 1722, and by the 1760s, the Adventure Furnace was built to smelt the ore. During the Revolutionary War, the furnace supplied the Continental Army with cannonballs and ammunition. Later renamed Hibernia Furnace, it fell into disrepair by 1850.

In the late 1800s, independent mining operations merged to form the Hibernia Mine Railroad in 1863. This railroad transported ore to the Morris Canal and later connected to other railroads for wider distribution. By 1873, the Glendon Tunnel was built to link the mines underground, and tracks laid in 1876 created the Hibernia Underground Railroad, spanning 1.5 miles.

By the early 1900s, the ore supply ran low. Joseph Wharton acquired the mines, but they shut down in 1916 after producing 5.2 million tons of ore. The deepest shaft reached about 2,800 feet.

Mining tragedies led to the establishment of St. Patrick’s Cemetery in 1869, near the mines. A wooden church built in 1865 burned down in 1910 and was never rebuilt. Many miners and their families are buried here. Though the cemetery feels abandoned, the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick maintain it with regular clean-ups.

Today, the Hibernia mine is a bat preserve. Thousands of bats, including little brown bats, were first documented here in 1939. However, in 1989, the mine entrance was sealed with cement to prevent trespassers, trapping many bats inside. Conservation groups intervened, and the gate was reopened, allowing the bats to thrive again. A secure metal gate now protects the bats from vandals.

Unfortunately, white-nose syndrome, a fungus that disrupts hibernation, has drastically reduced bat populations. Conservationists continue studying the bats while protecting the habitat.

Both the cemetery and the gated mine are part of the Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area, which features hiking trails. Visitors are advised to wear orange during hunting season.