A blacksmith always accompanied a wagon train or group of settlers to their new location, becoming one of the first businesses in a community.
The blacksmith would take iron pieces and heat them red, hot on a forge. The iron could then be pounded into shapes with an anvil and vice. Anything made of metal; nails, machinery parts, kitchen utensils and horseshoes were made on the spot by the blacksmith. Nothing was wasted and the blacksmith became the first recycler, making new items from old.
Ken working the hot iron during Fort Belmont Pioneer Days.
