Blacksmithing at Civil War Historical Events and Reenactments

Ask any of the blacksmiths who have demonstrated at Civil War reenactments, and you are likely to get different thoughts and suggestions based upon each blacksmith's experience.

There are different types of Civil War reenactments ranging from small single day events to massive events lasting days and having tens of thousands of spectators. Your involvement in these events may range from dropping your portable forge off the truck and demonstrating the standard simple 15 minute projects, all the way up to period dress, making and selling ironwork, camping out for several days in costly tents, and having to carry in your own water, food, and any other supplies that you would need to both live and to demonstrate for that several day period.

Shown below is a reproduction Civil War period Traveling Forge built by David Einhorn author of the book Civil War Blacksmithing , a member of the Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland.

Detailed information on blacksmithing for Civil War living history events can be found in the book Civil War Blacksmithing.

-- DaveEinhorn - 07 Feb 2008