Museums 401: The blacksmith shop (photo diary)

The blacksmith played a crucial role in pioneer villages and towns of the American West, creating various metal items like horseshoes, hinges, gates, and tools. Many historical museums feature exhibits showcasing blacksmith shops, such as those found in Ohio Village, Fort Vancouver, Fort Steele Heritage Village, and others. Blacksmiths were essential for providing tools to tradesmen, farmers, and townsfolk alike. Their skills were vital in shaping iron and steel using forges, anvils, hammers, tongs, and cutting tools. The blacksmith shop at Old Fort Benton was particularly important during the fur trade era for manufacturing tools like axes and traps.

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