This is a virtual museum of The Jackson Blacksmith Shop. Here you can learn the story behind the blacksmith shop and blacksmithing. You can also learn a little bit about us and our family history. We hope you enjoy learning about us and thank you for stopping by our little village.
The Jackson Blacksmith Shop was built in 1932 by George Wilson Jackson Jr. It is a 16’ x 24’ pole structure and features a metal roof. The floor features an earthen foundation of sand, wood dust, ash, and other particles that have accumulated over time. The wood shop is made from wood that was milled locally and was reconstructed by the family for continued use. Eventually doors were added and the building was refurbished in 1997.
Discover elevated design
A look inside
Weathered tools and parts on display.
Wood and stone forge
Original forge constructed from local materials.
Wagon wheels were repaired
Many horses have had there shoes changed in the same spot.
George Wilson Jackson Jr also learned blacksmithing and opened what is now the current Jackson’s Blacksmith Shop. George Jr was the last Jackson to operate the blacksmith shop as a primary source of income. As technology advanced, George and other blacksmiths operated primarily as farriers for locals. George worked in the current shop until the 1970’s and lived long enough to witness the blacksmith shop listed onto the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. George Wilson Jackson Jr passed away in 1998.
Tools of the trade
Small wheel with iron ring
The iron ring used to hold the wooden spokes of the wheel where often replaced by blacksmiths.
Axe with fitted wood handle
Some blacksmiths were also crafty woodworkers as well. Making handles and purpose driven tools were common as well.
Modern welded standing forge with wood chips
The coals for our forges are often started using highly flammable (dry) wooden chips.
The original forge features a wooden frame and a metal sheet insert over a stone pit. A blower is attached to a pipe leading from the forge to a hand crank blower.
Short video of the JBS Annual Event held each year around June.
More to come!
Visit us again soon to see what we've added to the museum!