Blacksmith's Shop, Canandaigua, New York, 1841-1843

In the 1800s, Americans relied on horses to move people, freight, money, and information to places railroads and waterways did not go. As living machines, the animals required food, water, housing, and cleaning. In addition, horses and horse-drawn vehicles needed regular maintenance. Horseshoes and parts for vehicles were manufactured in blacksmith shops like the one pictured here.