Croom in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Blacksmith Shop
Blacksmithing is an ancient profession which began over six thousand years ago. It is the craft of forging and shaping iron with a hammer and anvil. The work of the blacksmith allowed for advances in transportation and industry by providing the tools, weapons, and hardware needed by society.
In the 19th century, the blacksmith's most important function was to supply farm, Transportation and household tools for the local community. He made hammers, axes, adzes, knives, scythes, and sickles for the farmers, the plane bits and carving tools for the carpenters. His skill and techniques were required to weld and fit wagon wheels, hub rings, shoe horses, and to make all the metal bits and pieces of wagons and carriages. He provided the housewife with andirons and fireplace cooking utensils as well as outfitting the children with ice skates and rolling hoops.
The blacksmith reigned at his forge as the king of craftsmen. Throughout the early 20th century, blacksmithing was regarded as a highly specialized skill. Although the need for the blacksmith was diminished with the advent of new materials and the factory production of metal parts, the craft still lives and is practiced by many in blacksmithing guilds throughout the century.
This blacksmith shop is based on a existing historic shop located on the Robert Trueman farm in Acquasco, Maryland. Mr. Truman's great uncle John Trueman, built this shop around 1890 and it was used until 1944 by Wilton W. Trueman.
Erected by Maryland National Parks and Planning.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 38° 46.354′ N, 76° 42.71′ W. Marker is in Croom, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker can be reached from McClure Road. In the Patuxent Rural Life Museums, The Jug Bay Natural Area, Patuxent River Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Upper Marlboro MD 20772, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Sears House (a few steps from this marker); The Duckett Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Blown to Atoms (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Climate Change and Jug Bay (about 600 feet away); Charles Town (approx. 0.7 miles away); First Americans at Mount Calvert (approx. 0.8 miles away); Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park (approx. 0.8 miles away); Chesapeake Beach Railway (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Croom.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 397 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 1, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.