Last updated: July 16, 2024
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NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, Massachusetts
Geodiversity refers to the full variety of natural geologic (rocks, minerals, sediments, fossils, landforms, and physical processes) and soil resources and processes that occur in the park. A product of the Geologic Resources Inventory, the NPS Geodiversity Atlas delivers information in support of education, Geoconservation, and integrated management of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of the ecosystem.
Introduction
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site (SAIR) is situated on the banks of the Saugus River in the city of Saugus, located approximately 18 km (12 mi) north of Boston in southern Essex County, Massachusetts. Established on April 5, 1968, SAIR encompasses approximately 3 hectares (9 acres) and preserves the reconstructed site of the Hammersmith, the first fully integrated iron-making site in North America. Operated on the Saugus River from 1646 to 1668, the Hammersmith provided crucial iron commodities to colonial America, served as a training ground for skilled ironworkers, and represented a critical step in the development of the emerging U.S. economy (National Park Service 2019). After Hammersmith no longer operated, much of the land was used for agricultural purposes until preservationist Wallace Nutting and the First Iron Works Association restored much of the original iron works site. The national historical site features the reconstructed blast furnace, forge, rolling and slitting mill (a watermill for making iron rods), and includes several post-Hammersmith era structures such as the Iron Works House, museum, and blacksmith shop (Thornberry-Ehrlich 2015).
Geologic Setting
The bedrock geology of Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is comprised of ancient Neoproterozoic igneous rocks associated with the Avalon terrane, one of several foreign landmasses that accreted to the eastern edge of proto-North America (Laurentia) during the Paleozoic. The Avalon terrane has experienced a long, complex history of deformation, igneous intrusion, and sedimentation that is represented by a heterogeneous assemblage of rock types mapped within and surrounding SAIR (Thornberry-Ehrlich 2015). The predominant bedrock of the historic site is comprised of the Neoproterozoic Lynn Volcanics, an igneous unit that includes rhyolite flows, welded-ash flows, tuffs, and breccias (Bell 1977). Unnamed granitoid rocks of Proterozoic age underlie the northwesternmost area of SAIR north of the Ironworks House and Visitor Center.
Regional Geology
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is a part of the New England Physiographic Province and shares its geologic history and some characteristic geologic formations with a region that extends well beyond park boundaries.
The Geologic Resources Inventory produces digital geologic maps and reports for more than 270 natural resource parks. The products listed below are currently available for this park, check back often for updates as many maps, reports, and posters are still in progress.
- Scoping summaries are records of scoping meetings where NPS staff and local geologists determined the park’s geologic mapping plan and what content should be included in the report.
- Digital geologic maps include files for viewing in GIS software, a guide to using the data, and a document with ancillary map information. Newer products also include data viewable in Google Earth and online map services.
- Reports use the maps to discuss the park’s setting and significance, notable geologic features and processes, geologic resource management issues, and geologic history.
- Posters are a static view of the GIS data in PDF format. Newer posters include aerial imagery or shaded relief and other park information. They are also included with the reports.
- Projects list basic information about the program and all products available for a park.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3169. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
A NPS Soil Resources Inventory project has been completed for Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site and can be found on the NPS Data Store.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3120. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
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Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
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National Park Service Geodiversity Atlas
The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on geoheritage and geodiversity resources and values within the National Park System. This information supports science-based geoconservation and interpretation in the NPS, as well as STEM education in schools, museums, and field camps. The NPS Geologic Resources Division and many parks work with National and International geoconservation communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available.