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About twelve miles north of Boston is the Saugus
Iron Works; designated a national historic site in 1968. The Saugus
Iron Works was the first successful integrated foundry in North America, and operated
from about 1648 to 1665. The works is comprised of a reconstructed
blast furnace, forge, and rolling mill. The site also includes a
rebuilt 17th century house, and a museum building with archeological artifacts. A
half-mile nature trail, and picnic tables, are also within the grounds.
The following describes how the foundry operated: Iron ore, charcoal,
and gabbro rock, were carried across a small wooden bridge and dropped into
the top of the blast furnace. Two large bellows, powered by a
large waterwheel, forced air into the furnace, melting the iron ore and
burning off any impurities. Molds were placed next to the furnace and
cast iron tools such as pots, pans, or anvils were instantly manufactured. A channel at the bottom of the furnace also allowed molding of iron bars. These cast iron bars were then dragged to the forge, where they were
hammered (forged) into stronger wrought iron "merchant" bars. Some of
the merchant bars were brought to the rolling and slitting mill, and cut into smaller rods
to be used for products such as nails or
saw blades.
The origin of the Saugus Iron Works dates to 1641. The growing
colonies needed a constant supply of manufactured iron products. The
colonies were rich in raw materials, but poor in hard currency (gold and
silver coin for trading purposes). John Winthrop,
Jr., son of
Governor Winthrop, traveled to
England and subscribed investors for a new foundry in Massachusetts. Winthrop also gathered materials and workers for the new venture, and sailed
back to America. A blast furnace was initially built in Braintree
Massachusetts in 1644, but quickly failed due to a shortage of raw
materials. Richard Leader replaced Winthrop in 1645, and soon after the
Saugus site was chosen for the new works. The
Saugus Iron Works operated at capacity from about 1648 to 1665. Production dwindled until about 1675, and the site was completely abandoned
by
1678. Research indicates the foundry was never profitable, but the
expertise gained from the operation fanned-out throughout the colonies and
helped feed the great appetite for iron products in America.
Local residents initiated research into the historic site in 1943, which led
to a complete archeological dig in 1948. The buildings were completely
reconstructed and eventually opened to the public in 1954. The National Park Service acquired the Saugus Iron
Works in 1968, and designated it a national historic site.
During summertime, the waterwheels operate. The furnace itself is not
operational. The reconstructed buildings accurately represent the
works as they stood in 1650. The on-site museum contains relics found
in the archeological dig, with an interesting short film about the site's
history.
Step back to the 1600s at the Saugus Iron Works!
Public transportation is available to the Saugus Iron Works. MBTA Bus
Line #430 operates from Malden Center Station (Orange Line) and stops a couple of blocks
from the works. The bus ride takes about 35 minutes each way. The bus may bypass the works at certain intervals, so check the current MBTA
bus schedule
before departing.
Trivia: What was the original
name for the Saugus Iron Works?
Answer: Hammersmith.
MORE PHOTOS
Contact Information
Phone Number:
781.233.0050
Street Address:
244 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906
Street Map:
Map This Location
Web Site:
www.nps.gov/sair/index.htm
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