The roots of the Blacksmiths of Arkansas (BOA) trace back to the growing blacksmithing community in Mountain View, Arkansas, in the late 1970s.

Around 1977, Bob Patrick first visited the Folk Center, where David Matthews had recently become the blacksmith. He demonstrated techniques for him, later returned to teach him, and conducted several workshops there. David went on to establish Stone County Ironworks with Joe Mattheson, which became one of the largest blacksmithing businesses in the country.

Joe later sought to establish an ABANA chapter in Arkansas. Drawing on Bob's  experience helping establish the Blacksmith Association of Missouri, he assisted with the organization and paperwork that led to the formation of BOA.

Joe Mattheson became BOA's first president, followed by Danny Sartain. Bob Patrick became the organization's third president and also served as newsletter editor. Early members were primarily blacksmiths from Stone County, and meetings were held at various shops, including Bob's. Members also worked together on projects, including a large decorative grill.

Jack Smith, a pharmacist and blacksmith, later helped keep the organization active and served as editor for several years. Bob Patrick designed and created most of the metalwork for BOA's annual award, which became known as the **Jack Smith Award**.

BOA originally consisted of Eastern, Western, and Central branches. The Eastern group eventually became an independent organization, while BOA continued to serve blacksmiths throughout Central and Western Arkansas.

From its beginnings in the Mountain View blacksmithing community, BOA has remained an important part of Arkansas's blacksmithing tradition.