Near Emmitsburg in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Emmitsburg Longrifles

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 11, 2020

1. Emmitsburg Longrifles Marker

Inscription. The longrifle was a distinctly American weapon developed on the frontier for accuracy and distance. Produced mainly in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, it became known as the “Kentucky” rifle after a popular song commemorated its use by a regiment of Kentucky marksmen in the 1814 Battle of New Orleans. Emmitsburg gunsmiths crafted some of the finest longrifles of the 18th and 19th centuries. The work of master gunsmith John Armstrong (1772–c.1842) is especially noted for superior mechanical quality and decorative artistry.

Erected 2006 by Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland State Highway Administration.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Historical Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1814.

Location. 39° 42.507′ N, 77° 18.824′ W. Marker is near Emmitsburg, Maryland, in Frederick County. It can be reached from Catoctin Mountain Highway (U.S. 15). Marker is located near the Welcome Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17300 Catoctin Mountain Hwy, Emmitsburg MD 21727, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Central Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Emmitsburg (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also

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named Emmitsburg (a few steps from this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Monsignor Hugh J. Phillips (within shouting distance of this marker); The Town of Emmitsburg, Maryland (within shouting distance of this marker); Thurmont (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Thurmont (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Euphemia's School (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Emmitsburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Emmitsburg (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Emmitsburg (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . .
1. Replica Patterns of Emmitsburg Longrifles. (Submitted on July 3, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. John Armstrong and his Rifles. (Submitted on July 3, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Longrifles Marker near the Welcome Center gardens image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 1, 2007

2. Longrifles Marker near the Welcome Center gardens

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,333 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 11, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on July 3, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.