Blacksmiths were essential to society in the 19th century. Whether creating horseshoes or tools, blacksmiths helped society function. Many blacksmiths were in Lexington District and several, both free and slaves, were employed at David Rawl’s carriage and wagon making company on West Main Street in Lexington.

We have an example of a blacksmith shop on the grounds of the museum although the structure may have originally been a kitchen. John Fox, who owned the land the museum occupies, owned a slave who worked as a blacksmith in a shop on his property.