Buena Park in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Blacksmith Shop
Photographed By Denise Boose, December 1, 2021
1. Blacksmith Shop Marker
Early transportation methods consisted primarily of horse, mule, and ox power. These animals all had to be shod to protect their hooves. Consequently, the Blacksmith was an important figure in the Old West. He not only made the shoes for the animals, but also sharpened plows, fashioned eating utensils, forged metal wagon parts, and made general repairs to farming equipment.
A wagon train of the 1800’s was fortunate indeed to have a blacksmith along the trip. The wooden spokes of wagon wheels would often contract during the climatic changes encountered while crossing the country. Without the Blacksmith's skill in needed repairs, entire wagons would be lost.
When Knott’s started farming here in 1920, this blacksmith shop was standing on a farm about a mile away and was so old then that moss was growing on the roof. It was moved here intact when Ghost Town was started in 1940.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 33° 50.627′ N, 117° 59.989′ W. Marker is in Buena Park, California, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from Beach Boulevard, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located in the Calico Ghost Town section next to Old Betsy.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Betsy (a few steps from this marker); Birdcage Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Rivera School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); School House (about 300 feet away); Knotts Berry Farm (about 500 feet away); Knott's Classic Carousel (about 600 feet away); Buena Park Woman's Clubhouse (approx. 1.3 miles away); Site of Lily Creamery (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buena Park.
Photographed By Denise Boose, December 1, 2021
2. Blacksmith Shop Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, October 18, 2016
3. Blacksmith Shop Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, October 18, 2016
4. Blacksmith Shop Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2022, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 22, 2022, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
