The town blacksmith was a busy individual in the early 1800’s. Everything from tools and nails to cookware and furniture were constructed in small dark shops by a skilled craftsman. Wrought, which is derived from the meaning “worked metal,” was the iron of choice. In its authentic stage, wrought iron is embedded with slivers of iron silicate known as slag that actually change the chemical properties when heated. The slag gives this metal a grainy look similar to wood, adding to its physical appearance and beauty. Wrought iron was quite popular before the development of steelmaking. It was best known for strength, resistance to corrosion and malleability.