Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
Massachusetts
Managed by National Park Service
Established 1969
8.5 acres
Website: nps.gov/sair
Overview
Situated in the middle of the town of Saugus, this interesting little park preserves North America’s first integrated iron works dating back to 1646. The site was chosen because of access to local bog iron, gabbro, ample trees for making charcoal, and the Saugus River for providing power and shipping. Molten iron was poured into long sow bars that were forged into wrought iron, some of which went into a rolling and slitting mill that provided material for easily producing nails. In addition to cast products like pots, other items made include hinges, hoes, shovels, kettle hooks, and tongs. In the 1660s, bankruptcy led skilled iron workers (mostly indentured servants) from here to start mills throughout New England. Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is part of Essex Saugus National Heritage Area, along with Salem Maritime National Historic Site in northeast Massachusetts.
Highlights
Saugus River, blast furnace, forge, Iron Works House, free mushed penny machine
Must-Do Activity
Start your visit in the National Park Service (NPS) museum located in the former chicken coop and blacksmith shop, where a 12-minute video is played. Do not forget to crush your own penny in the only free coin-smashing machine we have encountered at a NPS site. Rangers offer tours throughout the day or a self-guided tour takes you to a blast furnace, forge, rolling mill, warehouse, and dock area on the Saugus River. The Iron Works House is a 1680s mansion containing period furnishings and is the only original building left standing. Other structures were rebuilt in the 1950s by the First Iron Works Association funded by the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Best Trail
A half-mile nature trail follows along the banks of the Saugus River.
Instagram-worthy Photo
Huge bellows made of wood and leather provided a steady blast of air to maintain the high temperature required to smelt ore into molten iron.
Peak Season
Summer
Hours
https://www.nps.gov/sair/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
Fees
None
Road Conditions
All roads are paved to the small parking lot.
Camping
Harold Parker State Forest offers 130 campsites about 13 miles to the northwest.
Related Sites
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (Pennsylvania)
Salem Maritime National Historic Site (Massachusetts)
Springfield Armory National Historic Site (Massachusetts)
Explore More – How heavy was the cast iron hammer head used in the forge and lifted by the waterwheel?