Saugus Iron Works: Life and Work at an Early American Industrial Site (Teaching with Historic Places)

Old map of the iron works.

From 1646 through 1668, the land along the Saugus River (northeast of Boston) was used for iron-making. Archaeologists in the 1940s discovered the site and established that it was the first successful integrated ironmaking plant in colonial America. The early Puritan settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony undeniably needed an ironmaking factory. For those colonists, the first order of business was to build houses and plant crops. Essential to those tasks were iron tools and utensils: axes, saws, hoes, nails, pots, and kettles. Most colonists brought some needed tools and utensils with them. As the population grew, however, so did the need for more iron products. For more than 20 years this need was met by the Saugus Iron Works. This lesson explores the importance of the iron works in supporting early colonial settlements. (Click on the image for the full lesson.)

Essential Question:

How do we learn about the everyday lives of American colonists?

Objective:

1. To describe what is known about life and work at the Saugus Iron Works in the 1600s;
2. To determine the relationship between natural resources and the location and development of the ironworks;
3. To explain the role of the Saugus Iron Works in the start of the American iron industry;
4. To define the role archeology can play in helping us interpret the past;
5. To compare the industrial activity of the Saugus Iron Works with industry established in the early years of their own community.

Grade Level:

Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade

Subject:

Literacy and Language Arts, Social Studies

Lesson Duration:

90 Minutes

Common Core Standards:

6-8.RH.2, 6-8.RH.3, 6-8.RH.4, 6-8.RH.5, 6-8.RH.6, 6-8.RH.7, 6-8.RH.8, 6-8.RH.9, 6-8.RH.10, 9-10.RH.1, 9-10.RH.2, 9-10.RH.3, 9-10.RH.4, 9-10.RH.5, 9-10.RH.6, 9-10.RH.7, 9-10.RH.8, 9-10.RH.9, 9-10.RH.10