Blacksmith Shop

The blacksmith shop is the only historic working forge open to the public in Howard County and one of only three blacksmith shops still standing in the county. Its construction is nailed, indicating construction around 1910 or later. Wooden blacksmith buildings are rare because they were often destroyed by fire getting out of the forge area.

The Mt. Pleasant blacksmith shop is the only functioning historic blacksmith shop in Howard County and contains a forge, bellows, anvil, vise, tongs and tools. Blacksmiths create and repair objects made of iron and steel, such as horseshoes, tools, and wagon parts. As part of the forging process, metal is heated until it glows red or orange, making it malleable for hammering, bending, cutting, and shaping with hand tools. During heating, a layer of oxides forms on the surface of iron creating a black appearance, hence the word “blacksmith.” “Smith” comes from the word “smite,” which means to hit.

An anvil serves as a workbench for blacksmiths.

Historic blacksmith shops are somewhat rare as many burned down during use. Not all historic farms featured blacksmith shops, as an experienced blacksmith was needed. The Mt. Pleasant blacksmith shop likely served, not only this property, but likely several other neighboring farms.

A blacksmith who works primarily with horses, especially making and fitting horseshoes, is called a farrier.