Where did the ore come from?
The ore provided two functions, one as a source of iron (limonite), the other was for a fluxing agent to limit the exposure of iron to oxygen (gabbro). Limonite, or bog ore as the iron workers called it, is a sedimentary rock found locally and was mined by local farmers in what is now day Saugus. Gabbro, or "rock mine" was mined at Nahant by burning the rock with cord wood fires and shipped up the Saugus River by boat.

Are those the original buildings?
The blast furnace, forge, rolling mill, warehouse, and dock area are all reconstructed on original sites and are based upon extensive archeological excavations done between 1948 and 1953. Hundreds of court records, inventories, and accounts of the original iron works were also consulted to produce a full-size (albeit, conjectural) model of the seventeenth century iron works. The "Iron Works House" is a timber framed, 1680s mansion house, still standing on its original location. It was constructed about a decade after the iron works ceased production.

Is there a gift shop or book store there?
Yes, there is. The Saugus Iron Works cooperating agency is Eastern National. Many items are also available on their eParks web site.

How far is it to the airport?
Logan airport is about nine miles away and is typically about a twenty minute ride. If you are looking for a place to visit on your way to the airport, stop by!