Brickmaker
Colonial brickmakers helped shape the appearance of towns and cities by turning clay from the ground into bricks used for construction.
Preparing the Clay
Brickmakers were important in colonial towns and their trade contributed to the overall appearance of the village or city. Brickmakers made their products by digging clay from the ground. They would then mix the clay with water and mash it with their feet to produce the right consistency in an area called a treading pit. Debris such as sticks, rocks, and leaves would then be removed. Different colored bricks were made by adding sand or ashes to the mixture.
Molding, Drying, and Firing the Bricks
The mixture would then be placed in a wooden mold to make the right shape. Within the molds, the brick mixtures would dry for a week or so before being moved to a drying shed where they would be stored for up to six weeks. When they were fully dried, they would be fired in a brick kiln sealed with clay for up to six days at temperatures approaching 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit where they would glow yellow from the intense heat. Up to 20,000 bricks could be fired at a time, though not all would be usable.
Watch Colonial Brickmaking
Brickmaking at the restoration of the Jamestown Church Tower
Explore the Colonial Town
Click a shop or building on the map to learn about another colonial trade.
