Saugus in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

River Basin Terminus

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 1, 2015

1. River Basin Terminus Marker

Inscription. The discovery of a navigable river at a site which also offered timber and flowing water for power was cause for company investors and site planners to celebrate. Improved roads to this remote area did not exist in the 1600s. Transportation to the site was an important consideration. Hammersmith consumed tons of bog ore and gabbro with each firing of the blast furnace.

Three company-owned boats, loaded with iron rods, nailrod, merchant bars and cast iron products traveled the ten miles to Boston and to other coastal areas. On return trips the boats carried supplies and brought recently-recruited, skilled English iron workers to Hammersmith. Iron products made to be sold and shipped were stored in the warehouses next to the pier.

The construction and destruction of dams built by various industries over the past three hundred years have silted this once busy tidal terminus. The Saugus River at Hammersmith is no longer navigable with access to ocean water.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 42° 28.137′ N,

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71° 0.462′ W. Marker is in Saugus, Massachusetts, in Essex County. It can be reached from Bridge Street. The marker is at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, near the reconstructed pier. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saugus MA 01906, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the North Shore,

in Greater Boston,

and in the Merrimack Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Casting House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Forge (within shouting distance of this marker); Making Iron (within shouting distance of this marker); Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Appleton's Pulpit (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saugus Vietnam Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Saugus Massachusetts World War I Honor Roll

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, July 1, 2015

2. River Basin Terminus Marker

The marker is next to the small building at the pier.

(approx. ¼ mile away); Saugus Korea/Vietnam Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saugus.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Iron Works (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.