This historic area along Stony Brook was named Chartley before 1700, and the name is thought to be related to the iron business that thrived there. In 1695, the Taunton North Purchase granted Thomas and James Leonard land along Stony Brook on which to establish a bloomery and manufacture iron. They excavated bog iron along Stony Brook, and later Chartley Pond was formed when the excavated land along the brook was flooded. Major George Leonard, son of Thomas, is credited with making this iron business a success. The old forge stood on the southeastern corner, and Major George Leonard's mansion was on the northeastern corner. Devil's Footprint Rock remains there. In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, ice was harvested from the pond. The nearby Wading River was used for fishing and hunting by Native Americans long before the arrival of the Leonard family.