Last updated: January 30, 2024
Thing to Do
Visit the Fort Larned Blacksmith
NPS Photo
Frontier army posts needed one or more blacksmiths to make or repair tools and other items for daily use. Here at Fort Larned we have a blacksmith who can demonstrate 19th century blacksmithing skills.
The blacksmith is usually working in his shop from late Spring through early Fall. The best time to catch him is on the weekends, although he's also available several days during the week. If you want to make sure and see him, it's best to call ahead to see if he'll be here the day you visit. The blacksmith shop is located in the shops building, one of two buildings on the east side of the Parade Ground.
We don't have scheduled demonstrations times; if you drop in on him, he'll show you how he uses fire, an anvil, and his tools to turn iron into everyday objects. If you're lucky, he might even send you home with a hand-forged souvenir!
The blacksmith is usually working in his shop from late Spring through early Fall. The best time to catch him is on the weekends, although he's also available several days during the week. If you want to make sure and see him, it's best to call ahead to see if he'll be here the day you visit. The blacksmith shop is located in the shops building, one of two buildings on the east side of the Parade Ground.
We don't have scheduled demonstrations times; if you drop in on him, he'll show you how he uses fire, an anvil, and his tools to turn iron into everyday objects. If you're lucky, he might even send you home with a hand-forged souvenir!
Details
Duration
10-30 Minutes
Activity
Craft Demonstrations
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed in any of the historic buildings.
Activity Fee
No
There is no entrance fee for Fort Larned NHS.
Location
Shops Building
The blacksmith shop is located in the shops building, one of two buildings on the east side of the Parade Ground.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Blacksmith demonstrations are available on weekends, and some weekdays, starting around April and going through the end of October.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The blacksmith shop is accessible by wheelchair. An area of approximately 36 square feet immediately inside the doorway is available for visitors to stand in and look inside the shop; the rest of the room is closed off with a wooden safety barrier.
Although the barrier is too high for someone in a wheelchair to see over there is an open portion of the barrier near the doorway closed off by a chain that would allow someone in a wheelchair to watch the demonstration.
Service animals are permitted in the Blacksmith Shop.
Although the barrier is too high for someone in a wheelchair to see over there is an open portion of the barrier near the doorway closed off by a chain that would allow someone in a wheelchair to watch the demonstration.
Service animals are permitted in the Blacksmith Shop.
NPS Photo
A blacksmith shop was essential for any frontier military post. This shop has two forges and all the equipment a blacksmith would need to do his job properly. Fort Larned had two main blacksmiths with several apprentices/helpers. Extra help, if needed, came from enlisted men brought in for extra pay.