Ireland, 1750s

Ireland, 1750s. . , An Ulster Blacksmith's Forge , The forge at this exhibit was built in the late 18th century, and stood in Keenaghan Townland in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Blacksmiths provided important services in rural farming communities, such as repairing tools, shoeing horses, and making nails and other hardware., Skilled artisans came to British North America because they were not able to advance socially and economically in their homelands. America offered a prospect of a better life. Many artisans continued to practice their trade in the colonies. They made important contributions to the early American economy, infrastructure, and culture. However, some chose to give up their trade and became farmers instead., Blacksmiths in Ireland,br> Blacksmiths were indispensable to rural Irish communities in the 18th century. Most worked in small shops similar to this one, assisted by family members or one or two young apprentices. Irish blacksmiths did not own the forge where they worked. Forges were often built by a landowner to serve the needs of his estate and his tenants, and the landowner recruited a blacksmith to work for him. Rural craftspeople were rarely able to support themselves by their trade alone. Most owned some livestock and often farmed a small plot of land to feed their family., Skilled Trades in Early America , Artisans with craft or trade skills were actively recruited to immigrate to the colonies. Their skills were essential to the success of a colony, and blacksmiths in particular played an important role. Many immigrant craftspeople drew on the decorative art traditions of their homelands and blended them with other ethnic styles which they encountered in the colonies. This created uniquely American styles and forms.