There were at least two blacksmith shops at Monticello, one on Mulberry Row and one just over 100 yards from the East Front of the main house. These shops supported both the work of hired white blacksmiths working on Monticello's construction and of enslaved smiths forging plows, hoes, pots, chains, locks, and other tools needed for the operation of the plantation.
Blacksmithing was a highly valued skill. Jefferson gave his enslaved blacksmiths a share of the profits he earned from their work repairing tools for local customers, and several former Monticello slaves went on to earn a living in freedom as blacksmiths.
Videos about the work and people of the Blacksmith Shops
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A Blacksmith Slips Away
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A Blacksmith's Tools
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A Blacksmith's Materials
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Firing up the Forge