Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

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Quick Facts

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Massachusetts

(781) 233-0050

Map Directions

Things To Do

     

Overview

Saugus is the site of the first integrated ironworks in North America, 1646-1668. It includes the reconstructed blast furnace, forge, rolling mill, and a restored seventeenth century house. With the archeological site of the seventeenth-century iron-making plant, the museum collection, the seventeenth-century Iron Works House, and the reconstructed iron works complex, Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site illustrates the critical role of iron making to seventeenth-century settlement and its legacy in shaping the early history of the nation. The site's enclave setting on the Saugus River, featuring an open-air museum with working waterwheels, evokes a unique experience for park visitors. These resources demonstrate seventeenth-century engineering and design methods, iron-making technology and operations, local and overseas trade, and life and work in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The original manufacturing site served as a training ground for skilled iron workers for what would become America's iron and steel industry. Iron making provided the infrastructure for the rise of other colonial industries. Called, "the forerunner of America's industrial giants," the site served as a center for technology, innovation and invention. The site interprets early industrial manufacturing, with its enduring social, political and environmental ramifications.

Map of Saugus Iron Works

Latitude, Longitude: 42.468678, -71.008858

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Activities

  • Hiking

    Follow the nature trail along the east side of the Saugus River. Watch for the birds and other wild life, identify trees and other plants. Help monitor the wildlife in the park by telling the rangers at the Visitor Center what you've seen. NOTE: The Nature Trail is not be accessible until further notice due to construction on the east side of the river.

  • Historic Sites

    There is a lot to see and do at Saugus Iron Works. Go on a ranger-guided tour of the industrial site and of the seventeenth-century Iron Works House, have fun with Junior Ranger activities, watch the orientation film, and enjoy watching the river, the birds and other wildlife found in the park. NOTE: For the 2010 season, the museum is closed for improvements of the heating and other systems. The museum is scheduled to be reopened for April 1, 2011.

  • Picnicking

    Picnic sites are available.

Seasonality/Weather

Summers are warm and occasionally humid with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Please remember to bring a canteen or water bottle on the hot days. Winters are cold, with snow possible between December and March. Layered clothing is recommended in spring and fall. Comfortable shoes are recommended at all times of the year.

April 1 through October 31, daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November 1- March 31, Closed

Directions

Driving

From Interstate 95 northbound or southbound take the Walnut Street exit, number 43. Drive east towards Lynn and follow the brown National Park Service signs for 3.5 miles to the Iron Works.

From Route 1 northbound take Main Street Saugus exit and follow the National Park Service signs east through Saugus Center to the Iron Works.

From Route 1 southbound take the Walnut Street exit (East) and follow the National Park Service signs 1.5 miles to the Iron Works.

Flying

Boston's Logan Airport is about 9 miles south of Saugus. Take route 1A North to Route 60 West to Route 1 North. Take the Main Street, Saugus, exit, and follow NPS signs through Saugus Center to the site at 244 Central Street.

Public Transportation

Public bus service (#430) runs daily except Sundays from the Malden subway station (Orange Line).

Phone Numbers

Primary

(781) 233-0050

Links