Brevard in Transylvania County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Blacksmith
Keeping horses and equipment in top shape
Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, June 18, 2011
1. Blacksmith Marker
The clang of a hammer on iron and the acrid scent of coal smoke were commonplace at the Biltmore Forest School. Two blacksmiths, each with their own business 14 miles away in Brevard, took turns working here. Not only did the horses require shoes regularly, iron-working skills were needed to keep wagons on the road and logging equipment in working order.
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Wooden wagon wheels would shrink with age and weather leaving the iron tires loose. The blacksmith heated a section of the “tire” in the forge until the metal was soft. He then clamped it in this device and forced the metal together just enough to once again fit snugly on the wheel. The tire was then reheated, replaced on the wheel and ‘quenched’ or cooled quickly to shrink it onto the wheel before it could burn the wood.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 35° 21.145′ N, 82° 46.831′ W. Marker is in Brevard, North Carolina, in Transylvania County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 276, 0.4 miles south of Yellow Gap Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pisgah Forest NC 28768, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Schenck's Office (a few steps from this marker); Ranger's Dwelling (within shouting distance
this page online
Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, June 18, 2011
2. Blacksmith Marker
Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, June 18, 2011
3. Blacksmith Shop
Photographed By Jack Gipson, July 20, 2011
4. Steel Rim Tightener
This piece of equipment was used to tighten the steel rim on wooden wheels.
Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, June 18, 2011
5. Blacksmith Forge
Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, June 18, 2011
6. Blacksmith Anvil
Photographed By William Henry Myers III, October 18, 2013
7. Blacksmith Shop
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2011, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 695 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 26, 2011, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 4. submitted on July 25, 2011, by Jack Gipson of North Augusta, Ontario. 5, 6. submitted on June 26, 2011, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 7. submitted on December 9, 2013, by William Henry Myers III of Seneca, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
