📍 Location & Geography
Saugus is a town located in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 13 miles north of downtown Boston. Saugus is bordered by the cities of Lynn to the northeast, Revere to the southeast, and Melrose to the southwest, and the towns of Wakefield to the west and Lynnfield to the north. The town covers a total area of 11.8 square miles, 10.8 square miles of which is land and 1.0 square mile is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Saugus, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.4648° N latitude and 71.0101° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Saugus is part of the Greater Boston area, a region in Massachusetts that also includes the city of Boston and its surrounding metropolitan area. The town is part of the North Shore, a coastal region of Massachusetts that is known for its affluent historic towns and long, sandy beaches.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Saugus is approximately 28,000. The town has a diverse demographic makeup, with a majority of residents identifying as White, followed by Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and African American. The median age in Saugus is around 45 years.
🏛️ History
Saugus was first settled by European colonists in 1629 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1815. The town is known for the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, which was the site of the first integrated ironworks in North America, operating from 1646 to 1668.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Saugus is home to several parks and natural areas, including the Breakheart Reservation, a 640-acre hardwood forest with rocky hills, two freshwater lakes, and a stretch of the Saugus River. The town also features the Rumney Marsh Reservation, a significant salt marsh area that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife.
🏫 Education
Public education in Saugus is managed by the Saugus Public Schools district, which operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Saugus High School. The town is also in proximity to several colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Saugus is facilitated by several major roads, including U.S. Route 1, which runs through the town. Public transportation is provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, with bus service connecting Saugus to nearby communities and the Orange Line of the MBTA subway system in neighboring Malden. The closest airport is Boston’s Logan International Airport, about 10 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Saugus is known for its annual Founders Day celebration, which commemorates the town’s rich history with a day of festivities and events. The town is also home to the historic Saugus Town Hall, a Victorian-era building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.