The Life of a Colonial Blacksmith

Colonial blacksmiths were crucial to their communities.

A colonial blacksmith was a respected tradesman in his community, for he was responsible for creating and maintaining the tools utilized by almost all the other tradesmen. He practiced his craft in his workshop to turn raw metal, such as iron and steel, into functional items like horseshoes, farming hoes and barrel supports.

Apprenticeship

Colonial blacksmiths started their craft training around age thirteen as apprentices to the local established blacksmith. They were almost exclusively men. There were rarely more than one or two blacksmiths in a colonial community as the small villages could not handle much competition, however in larger settlements like Boston or Philadelphia there may have been several more. During his apprenticeship, a young blacksmith would be taught additional skills to forge work including basic math, reading and writing. In exchange for his training, the boy would assist his trainer for free and perform small duties around the forge. The length of training varied with individual situation, and at the end the apprentice would be given several small tools and the right to open his own shop.

Position in Society

Blacksmiths typically held an upper middle class position in Colonial society, being prominent members of their communities yet still laborers. In the Southern colonies, such as Virginia and South Carolina, African slaves often served as the plantation and community blacksmiths, however due to their indentured state were not given status based on their craft.

Forges

Colonial blacksmiths practiced their trade in workshops that were called forges. A forge, also referred to as a smithy, was typically a barnlike structure attached to the blacksmith’s dwelling that was open on one or more sides and contained a heat source to melt and soften metal. In colonial times, the most common heat source was a large hearth, or open flame, that was placed next to or under an anvil. The anvil was a large metal surface where the blacksmith would lay his work in progress while he manipulated it into shape with a hammer. In addition to the tools and raw materials, the forge would also contain a large vat of water called a slack tub where freshly hewn metal was submerged to cool it instantly.

Significance

Blacksmiths created a variety of items essential to everyday life in Colonial America. They fashioned and supplied pins, fasteners, and wheel pieces for other craftsmen, like the saddle maker, farmer, builder, miller, and shop keepers. Blacksmiths also crafted tools used in the house, such as metal pots, pans, plates, cups, fireplace accessories, forks and knives. In some larger colonial establishments, blacksmiths were commissioned by local governments to create wrought iron gates and door knockers for community buildings.

Role in the Revolution

Colonial blacksmiths played an important role for the plight of the rebels during the American Revolution. In secret from the British, those loyal to the Colonists forged swords, knives, and other gear for the rebel army. They shod the horses of the Minute Men and other militias enabling them to keep pace with the well-trained British army and communicate swiftly between each other. This was done at great risk to the blacksmith and his family, for if his assistance was discovered he would be tried and hung as a traitor to the British crown.