The Old Blacksmith Shop, Illinois, United States

5Taylor B 5:00 PM Aug 5, 2022

Watch the sparks fly
It costs $5 for individuals and $15 for families but it's worth the price to visit The Old Blacksmith Shop in Galena, Illinois, and observe an authentic 1897 blacksmith shop with working forges, tools and equipment from its 100-year-old history. Located at 245 North Commerce Street, it is open from 10 to 4 Friday through Monday, from May through October. Blacksmithing dates to 1,500 BC. A blacksmith is a metalsmith who creates objects primarily from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal, using tools to hammer, bend and cut, producing such objects as weapons, cooking utensils, agricultural implements, tools, gates, grills and railings. See how smithys worked during Galena's heyday in the 1850s and 1860s, when it was a larger and more important town than Chicago, the busiest port on the Mississippi River from St. Louis to St. Paul. Watch a smithy take a piece of steel and create a lovely work of art from start to finish. These are true craftsmen who are knowledgeable and informative who explain the history of their craft while showing you how it's done. Very educational. Entertaining, too.

5mannys810 5:00 PM May 16, 2020

A Trip Back in History
The Old Blacksmith Shop is a quaint historical building, relocated across the street from its original location. The workers volunteer their time, and display their skills for visitors to watch. The friendly blacksmiths answer questions as they work. Some of the completed items are available for sale, and are usually stamped Galena. The establishment requests donations in place of a set admission fee. Galena as a whole, and the Shop specifically are worthy of a visit.