Saugus Iron Works

So cool. These guys and gals are great. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by a ranger who gave us a map and a pamphlet about the place. She suggested we check out the museum and we could catch the next tour and demonstration. The museum was fun. It had the history of the area, the iron works and a good overview of the process that was being used. They also had a ten minute video of the history of the iron works.
The best part was the tour. The tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable of the history and the process that was used to make the iron. Fielding questions with ease. Then there was the demonstration of the water wheels. Something you need to see.
The nature trail was a bit disappointing. Some wild grapes and strawberries and it is not that long.

Amazingly interesting historical center. Surprising how hidden in plain site this gem is. They have really knowledgable staff and exciting tidbits. Who knew how integral Saugus/​Lynn was in the Industrial Revolution?

I visited the site on a weekday in October. First of all, the site is beautifully situated next to the river. Here is a reconstructed 17^th c, house, blast furnace, forge, rolling mill, shear and a pier. Much of what one sees here is based on excavations carried out after WW2. I was impressed with this site even after having seen Hopewell Furnace NH Site and Cornwall Iron Furnace. A demonstration of the operation of the water wheel was carried out; witnessed the pounding of the iron hammer and the pumping of the air blast bellows. Afterwards, a demonstration in the blacksmith barn occurred where the iron rods were turned into nails.

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site 244 Central Street Saugus, was the first iron foundry (and commercial bloomery) in this country.
Pick up a map from the visitors center.
Free entry, free parking.
Check their website for interesting, seasonal activities.
Here’s some of what they have to say:
«Using charcoal as its fuel, the Saugus blast furnace roared to life in 1646 and smelted locally-​mined bog ore and gabbros into cast iron „pig“ bars. Gray iron was also poured into molds to make pots, kettles, skillets, fire backs and salt-​pans.»
Take the free informative Ranger guided tour. We were taken to the Blast Furnace. The Forge has 1 working water wheel that the rangers turn on. Then to the Rolling and Sitting Mill that has 3 water wheels that run the bellows.
Harnessing water power you can hear the 500 pound hammer for shaping a rough square. At the Blacksmith Shop the Rangers will show you how to make iron nails and you will be glad that you live in the age of Home Depot.
On the day we went we were also able to see an Iron Pour Demonstration. We watched how our forbears ‘pumped iron’ or students from the Mass. College of Art Iron Guild melt and cast iron, which was then poured into molds and hardens into shape. We had an exciting, hands-​on opportunity to scratch a design into a sand mold and see it cast in hot, liquid iron to take home!
Dogs on leash are allowed too.
We went with our scouts group and had taken a picnic lunch and lawn chairs.

Saugus Iron Works is a great spot. It’s scenic, quiet and educational. This is a place your Dad would take you to on a family vacation as a teenager and you’d hate it, but secretly you’d think it was pretty damn cool.
First, there are 3 working water wheel that the ranger’s will turn on for you. Second, wildlife and a nature trail. Third, there are hardly any people there, in 6 hours I saw a total of 6 other people, so it was quiet. Fourth, the rangers will do a blacksmithing demonstration and make a nail, yeah a nail, and it’s cool.
I love this place.