Saugus Iron Works Forge
N 42° 28.154 W 071° 00.472
19T E 334937 N 4703829
One of 7 water wheels used to power this complex
Waymark Code: WM6MZ
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 01/27/2006
Views: 119
Until the first practical steam engine was developed in the late 18th century, industry was powered by muscle- human or animal- wind, or water. Waterwheels were employed in the ancient Middle East to lift water for irrigation. The principle was applied in the following centuries to milling, weaving, and a number of other tecnologies- including the making of iron. By the mid-17th century the waterwheel had developed into the most efficient power source and was a common feature of the industrial landscape.
Saugus Iron Works