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Blacksmiths were an important part of communities in the 18th and 19th centuries
NPS Photo
The Blacksmith Shop was one of the busiest and most important places in Hopewell. The skill of the Blacksmith in making and repairing iron objects made him a necessary worker at Hopewell Furnace and nearly every other community in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. He shaped shoes for the horses and mules that were essential for the furnace operations. He made nails, hinges, hooks, wagon parts, tools and repaired all the iron fixtures of the furnace's machinery. Little wonder why his work kept him busy 6 days a week and on call 24 hours to maintain the furnace's operation.
