The Blacksmith's Shop
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Images
One of Four Mile's Blacksmiths hammers a piece of hot steel
One of Four Mile's docents and Blacksmiths explains the process to visitors
Another Four Mile docent and Blacksmith works the forge
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
Blacksmiths were an integral part of towns and ranches. They were responsible for creating everything from horseshoes to the iron wheels on wagon wheels. They also made hinges and even coffins. They also created pieces for farm equipment like plows, and would sharpen the plows as well. They were especially important to the pioneer travelers, as a Blacksmith could make any necessary wagon repairs along the way.
Steel is heated in the hot coals and hammered on an anvil into different shapes by strong mallets. Once it is the correct shape, the steel is dipped in water, which cools it down.
Sources
Four Mile Historic Park Collections
Facts About Blacksmithing & Blacksmiths (Fun Facts)
Four Mile Historic Park Collections
Four Mile Historic Park Collections
Steve Crecelius WonderWorks Studio