Facts About Blacksmithing at Monticello
Monticello blacksmiths labored over hot fires to forge plows, hoes, pots, chains, locks, and other plantation tools. (Pictured: "Blacksmith 1st Mass" by Alfred R. Waud, 1862, Library of Congress.)
Jefferson gave his blacksmiths a share in the profits he earned from their work repairing tools for local customers. (Pictured: Sickle blade discovered by archaeologists along Mulberry Row.)
Several former Monticello slaves went on to earn a living in freedom as blacksmiths.
People to Know: Joseph Fossett
The system of slavery often ripped families apart. As a boy, Joseph Fossett was separated from his mother and siblings.
He went on to marry and have children of his own. After Jefferson died, Fossett was freed, but his family was sold at auction. (Pictured: Newspaper ad announcing an "Executor's Sale" of Monticello's furnishings and its enslaved population)
Fossett labored for ten years to buy his family's freedom. They moved to Ohio and helped others to escape slavery. (Pictured: The Fossett family tombstone in Union Baptist Cemetery, Cincinnati, OH)
Video: A Blacksmith Slips Away
Enslaved blacksmith Joseph Fossett leaves Monticello without permission. But is he really running away? (Running time: 1:45)
Videos: Blacksmithing Basics
Firing up the Forge
A Blacksmith's Tools
A Blacksmith's Materials
Video: A Mother Leaves Monticello
Joseph Fossett is separated from his mother when she is bought by and marries a Charlottesville merchant. (Running time: 1:08)
Digging for Clues - Archaeology at the Blacksmith's Shop
Monticello archaeologists excavated the blacksmith's shop and nailery during the 1980s.
They found this deposit of iron artifacts.
It included chains, hinges, hooks, and tools—the kinds of objects Monticello blacksmiths made and repaired every day.
This iron carriage jack would have been used to support a carriage axle during repairs. Behind it is a padlock.
A brass gun plate with hand-engraved decorations found along Mulberry Row.
This wrench, found at the blacksmith's shop, was used to attach a pistol barrel. It fits two pistols owned by Jefferson.