|
| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Near Willow Street in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic) |
|
Birthplace of the Pennsylvania Rifle
|
| | | | 
By Dave Schreck, February 9, 2008 | |
| | | 1. Birthplace of the Pennsylvania Rifle Marker | | Plaque is on the building. | | |
Inscription. Martin Meylin, 1670–1749, gunsmith of Switzerland settled here in the Pequea Valley in 1710 and made in this gun shop the earliest known Pennsylvania or so called Kentucky Rifle.
He was the first of a group of Lancaster County rifle makers who prior to 1745 originated and gave to America that historic and colorful firearm.
Erected by the Willow Street Woman’s Club.
Location. 39° 59.705′ N, 76° 16.501′ W. Marker is near Willow Street, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. Marker is at the intersection of Eshelman Mill Road and Long Rifle Road on Eshelman Mill Road. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Willow Street PA 17584, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Herr House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Martin Meylin’s Gunshop (approx. 0.6 miles away); Conestoga Navigation Company (approx. 1.8 miles away); At Rockford near here lived & died General Edward Hand, M.D. (approx. 1.9 miles away); Rock Ford (approx. 2 miles away); Boehm's Chapel (approx. 2.3 miles away); Founded 1791 Boehms Chapel (approx. 2.4 miles away); James Buchanan (approx. 2.8 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Willow Street.
Also see . . . | | | | 
By Dave Schreck, February 9, 2008 | |
| | | 2. Martin Meylin's Gunshop and Marker | | |
1. The Story of the Pennsylvania Rifle. “Although known for years as the "Kentucky rifle", the celebrated long rifle of muzzle-loading days was developed on a Pequea Valley farm in the Mennonite region of southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was a Swiss gunsmith, Martin Meylin, whose pioneer work during the early 1700s marked the appearance of a new type of firearm, the Pennsylvania rifle.” (Submitted on February 12, 2008.)
2. Kentucky Long Rifle. “Circa 1725 the forerunners of the Kentucky [or Pennsylvania] long rifle were being designed and built by German craftsman in Pennsylvania. After the French and Indian War brought new lands to the attention of the frontiersmen, the uniquely American long-range rifles were carried into the frontier (at that time Kentucky) by the long hunters, trappers and explorers.” (Submitted on February 12, 2008.)
|
| | | | 
By Dave Schreck, February 9, 2008 | |
| | | 3. Martin Meylin's Gunshop | | |
|
| Credits. This page originally submitted on February 12, 2008, by Dave Schreck of Rawlinsville, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,811 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. Submitted on February 12, 2008, by Dave Schreck of Rawlinsville, Pennsylvania. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page. | | Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print |
|
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org