Blacksmith Shop • Built ca. 1900-1901
Siebler Blacksmith Shop
Built around 1900–1901 in Aurora, Nebraska, this building became a blacksmith shop in 1920 when it was purchased by William Siebler. It represents an essential trade that helped keep rural communities and transportation moving in the early 20th century.
William Siebler
William Siebler began his career in Germany, apprenticing as a blacksmith at just 14 years old, where he learned the craft of forging horseshoes. He immigrated to the United States in 1887 and continued working in his trade.
In 1912, Siebler purchased his first blacksmith business in Nebraska. This shop—now part of Railroad Town—was the second he owned in Aurora. Over the course of an extraordinary 72-year career, he became known as one of the last traditional blacksmiths in Central Nebraska. He died in 1953.
What Does a Blacksmith Do?
Blacksmithing was a vital trade in communities along the Platte River Valley. Blacksmiths heated metal in coal-fired forges and shaped it using hammers and anvils to create and repair essential items.
A general blacksmith might produce farming tools, wagon parts, and household goods. Some specialized in specific skills. Farriers focused on making and fitting horseshoes and caring for hooves, while wheelwrights crafted and repaired the metal components of wheels, carts, and wagons.
Did You Know?
Before modern machinery, nearly every farm and town depended on a blacksmith to keep tools, equipment, and transportation in working order.