Mansfield in Richland County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Hawk's Nest Forge and Cooperage
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 3, 2026
1. Hawk's Nest Forge and Cooperage Marker
Richland Early American Center for History volunteers began building this early 1800's period blacksmith and woodworking shop on August 28, 2020. It was completed in September 2021 in time to showcase at American Heritage Days on October 3, 2021. It was fully operational at this event.
When you step inside the Blacksmith shop one of the first things you notice is the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of an 1800's Smithy.
Inside the shop, relics from the past tell the story of how the shop adapted to local needs. The forge built for the shop is a replica of a forge that was once a working forge in the area. Great care was taken to recreate the forge along with skill and craftsmanship.
The 6-foot restored bellow hanging from the ceiling is massive looking with its two-stage or double chamber bellows directly to the left of the forge. It was originally built in 1840 in Mifflin, Ohio and has been restored twice.
The sandstone that lines the perimeter of the building and the brick floor are from demolition projects from the area. The blacksmithing tools, woodworking tools, and work benches along with many other items displayed have been donated by John Fernyak and family.
The building was named Hawk's Nest Forge and Cooperage after a pair of hawks built their nest in the nook of the large
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Erected by Eagle Scouts; Boy Scouts of America.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is August 28, 2020.
Location. 40° 45.379′ N, 82° 32.496′ W. Marker is in Mansfield, Ohio, in Richland County. It is at the intersection of Brinkerhoff Avenue and Maple Street, on the right when traveling south on Brinkerhoff Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Brinkerhoff Ave, Mansfield OH 44906, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mansfield Blockhouse (here, next to this marker); Mansfield's War of 1812 Blockhouse (a few steps from this marker); Mansfield's War of 1812 Blockhouse Timeline (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Mansfield's War of 1812 Blockhouse (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Mansfield's War of 1812 Blockhouse (a few steps from this marker); The Petersburg Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 3, 2026
2. Hawk's Nest Forge and Cooperage Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Mansfield's War of 1812 Blockhouse (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Mansfield's War of 1812 Blockhouse (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Mansfield's War Of 1812 Blockhouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 3, 2026
3. Hawk's Nest Forge and Cooperage
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
