Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site preserves the remains and reconstructions of a mid-17th-century iron-making complex in Saugus, Massachusetts, originally established about 1646. It interprets early colonial industry and technology.

The site includes a reconstructed blast furnace and forge, a working waterwheel and demonstrations showing how waterpower was used to operate bellows and hammers. Indoor exhibits in the visitor center present archaeological finds, period tools and the social and economic context of the ironworks.

The ironworks were established in the mid-1600s to produce iron products for the Massachusetts Bay Colony and operated during the colonial period. The site was later excavated and reconstructed in the 20th century and was designated a National Historic Site to preserve and interpret early American industrial history.

The historic site is located in Saugus in northeastern Massachusetts, north of Boston and accessible from the Greater Boston region.

• Date and use: Site preserves and interprets the remains of a mid-17th-century industrial complex established about 1646 and later reconstructed for education and demonstration.
• Demonstrations: Seasonal demonstrations of water-powered forging and other ironmaking processes are normally offered by site staff.

What to See #

• Blast furnace and forge: A reconstructed 17th-century blast furnace and forge used to demonstrate colonial iron-making techniques.
• Waterpower system: Working waterwheel and associated waterpower system that originally powered bellows and trip hammers.
• Visitor center and exhibits: Visitor center with exhibits interpreting 17th-century iron production, tools and the site's archaeology.