Here you can see hand-hammered ironware wrought on a full-scale forge typical of those throughout the country in the 19th century. The smithy and his tools were an indispensable part of the village life, keeping wagons and buggies repaired, shoeing horses, and producing implements for household and farm use.

The Vincent-Deale Blacksmith Shop, centrally located in Murfreesboro’s Historic District, houses an outstanding collection of blacksmith tools; which originated from the Deale family from Southampton County, Virginia. The collection was donated by Hugh Vincent, a great-grandson.

There is also a working forge and a blacksmith who demonstrates the craft during tours.

Under a spreading chestnut-tree
The village smithy stands;
The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawny arm
Are strong as iron bands.

~ The Village Blacksmith by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow