George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Reconstruction

Photos of  the Blacksmiths' Shop reconstruction.  The building was reconstructed between 2008 and 2009 and based upon archaeological and historical documentation.

 
ice house
Between c. 1850 and 2008 a brick icehouse was over the site.
                                 
 
forge base
Archaeologists excavated the foundation for the Blacksmiths'' Shop''s forge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
icehouse demolition
The icehouse was removed in spring 2008.
                                
 
gravel fill
The icehouse''s pit was filled with gravel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
site ready
The site is ready for construction.
                               
 
footing
The trench for the Shop''s footing is dug.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
foundation
Masons construct the brick foundation.
                                   
 
forge
The brick forge is in the northeast corner.
           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
chimney
Constructing the chimney for the forge.
                                       
 
masonry
All the masonry is complete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
wall raising
The carpenters begin assembling walls.
                                      
 
four walls
Four walls are framed up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
rafters
The rafters get started next.
                             
 
rafters
The rafters are almost finished.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
shingles
The shingles are put on the roof.
                                 
 
floor
Carpenter Dave Weir learns how to make a mud floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
fence
Constructing the fence around the yard.
                                  
 
complete
The completed shop and fence.

 

 

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