Exploring Saugus Iron Works

Saugus Ironworks history

The Saugus Ironworks is one of the oldest locations in Massachusetts for the colonies creating iron products. it dates back to the mid-1600s when the European iron makers brought their skills to a young colony along with Scottish indentured servants to work at producing iron bars and products.

The Saugus Iron Works in autumn. The near building is the Forge, visit in my gallery

I found the Saugus Ironworks before I knew anything about its history. My Dad had mentioned it to me in passing but he and I had never gone there (another missed opportunity) You can read about nearby photo opportunities in my series of articles which list a few nearby locations around Lynn, Peabody, and Salem Massachusetts.

Saugus Ironworks Location

As you can see on the map, Saugus Ironworks is surrounded by residential homes and businesses. Route 1 is just to the East and the town of Saugus is just a little way south of the site. Just a mile or so to the Northwest is Birch Pond with Walnut st running next to it. You can read about it in my other articles on exploring my backyard (parts 1-3).

saugus ironworks map — Map of the area around Saugus Ironworks

The Buildings that make up the Saugus Ironworks

I love to photograph the different buildings with waterwheels, a blast furnace, and a 17th-century home in the autumn of the year. I love walking through the period buildings and imagining the effort to make horseshoes, iron cook pots, or implements made of iron.

Sunset in the fall at the Saugus Ironworks — The sun peaked out from under storm clouds providing a stunning sunset over Saugus Ironworks. View in my Gallery.

The local area of Saugus

Native Americans were in the area before the Europeans arrived and were using this basin for fishing and farming. They were known as the Pawtucket. In the 1640s Englishman built the Saugus ironworks to make iron for the new colony. It brought together diverse peoples including the Native Americans, Puritans, English ironworkers, and Scottish indentured servants.

The “Great Squaw Sachem” who now led the Pawtucket slowly sold off the land to the Englishmen and by need, they assimilated into puritan society often taking jobs working for the local businesses. Two of the Pawtucket were known to have worked at the Ironworks. These are but a few of the stories you can learn by visiting the National Historic Site and taking a Ranger-led tour.

I’ve been back several times over the years, ever since I first found this small National Park. Usually, you will find me there in mid-October, but any time of the year can be quite beautiful in the Park.

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

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