Saugus Iron Works (pix)

At the time (mid 17th century) Saugus was the largest industrial complex in North America, processing ore and turning the wrought iron into thin bars (looked like a square cross section of about a half inch) for sale for making nails and other thin objects.

Even though it shut after just 20 years, the slag heap guaranteed it would not be lost. Local buffs got it restored in the 40s and 50s, then designated a National Park in the 70s. The restoration is beautiful, but needs constant upkeep since they redid it 1650s style – not with modern technology.

Here’s one of the mills, the place where iron left the blast furnace, and a massive drive shaft:

Click any image for more photos of Saugus. I didn’t take enough to follow the iron from bog to rods, but there are enough to get a bit of a feel for the place. The scale is large, but small enough so you can follow the processes. Well worth a visit.