Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened! Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. Saugus Iron Works is a twelve-acre National Historic Site that includes working waterwheels, forges, mills, a historic 17th century home, and a lush river basin.

Saugus Iron Works Landscape

A view of Saugus Iron Works from the Saugus River

Several wooden structures amid green fields and trees under partly cloudy sky and beside river.

Iron Forge

The forge is where bars of pig iron created at the blast furnace were changed into a new kind of iron that a blacksmith was able to use.

Approximately 15' by 15' spoked wooden wheel beside river and under blue sky.

Blast Furnace

The blast furnace is where bog ore was smelted to create cast iron "pig" bars.

Rectangular wooden structure between orange deciduous trees and wooden bridge with walkway.