Fort Steele in Victorian times was wholly reliant on the horse. At its peak more than one hundred four-horse teams hauled freight into Fort Steele each week. Travel throughout the region was by horse or on foot for the most part. As a consequence there were a lot of horses to be shod, a large number of wagons to be repaired, and any amount of agricultural equipment to be mended, sharpened, straightened and otherwise made useable. Miners had drill steel to sharpen, braces and strapping to be fashioned. Townspeople had every manner of implement to be produced, fixed and refurbished. They all came to the blacksmith.

The blacksmith shop was part of the male culture of the town, along with the numerous livery stables, harness shops and pool halls. It was a place to tell stories, do business, and share a "nip" now and then. So it is no surprise that the Barr & Combs Blacksmith Shop at Fort Steele glows with reflected fire from the forge and rings with hammer blows on the anvil. As part of our interpretation programme a blacksmith works all summer fixing agricultural implements, providing metalwork for restoration projects, doing custom orders for clients, and producing goods for sale. In the spring and fall the blacksmith participates in the school programme.