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.

The park is accessible via Interstate 95 (Walnut St.) and Route 1 (Main St. / Walnut St.). Public transportation options are available through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

  • Guided Tours
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • Architecture and Building
  • Archeology
  • Colonization and Settlement
  • Engineering
  • Incarceration
  • Industry
  • Laborer and Worker
  • Religion and Spirituality
  • Schools and Education
  • Science, Technology and Innovation
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • River and Riparian
  • Trails
  • Wetlands

Saugus Iron Works Landscape

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

A view of Saugus Iron Works from the Saugus River

Iron Forge

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

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.

Blast Furnace

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

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