Blacksmith Shop Interior

Lanterns in the blacksmith shop.

NPS Photo/Jim Schlett

Quick Facts

Location:

West Branch, Iowa

Significance:

Part of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Amenities

3 listed

Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

The Blacksmith Shop at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a working smithy in the style of traditional blacksmithing, where the techniques, tools, and fuel sources are what have been used for centuries. 

Hammer & Anvil

The iconic tools of a blacksmith, the hammer and anvil, are just to the left of the forge. Every blacksmith shop will have differently sized and shaped hammers and at least one anvil. 

Forge & Bellows

The main tool is the forge, the brick furnace and chimney where the blacksmith burns coal. Coal is stored in a bucket by the forge and in a large bin in the northwest corner of the shop. 

The tongs around the forge are to hold hot iron while working it into shape. Each pair of tongs has a specific purpose and is used depending on the shape of the metal or the angle the blacksmith is working on.

The bellows is another important tool. This smithy has a two-stage bellows just behind the forge. A simple pull on the handle hanging above it raises the top section of the bellows. The collapsing weight of the bellows forces air through a pipe directly into the forge and in to the fire. This adds more oxygen, allowing the fire to reach hotter temperatures.