Harrodsburg in Mercer County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Early Gun Shop Site / Famed Gunsmith
Photographed By Brian K. Hall, January 31, 2022
1. Early Gun Shop Site Marker
Replacement marker from 2018.
Inscription.
Early Gun Shop Site, also, Famed Gunsmith. .
Early Gun Shop Site. Here Benjamin Mills made some of finest rifles in US, ca. 1844-1863. His muzzle loaders were famous for their superb accuracy at a time when craftsmanship made all the difference. Used by Dr. Christopher Graham, conceded to be the best target shot in world, and used by the Boone Shooting Club, of which Graham and Gov. Beriah Magoffin were members.,
Famed Gunsmith. In the 1859 raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, John Brown captured armorer Benjamin Mills. Mills was rescued the next day by Marines under Col. Robert E. Lee. Mills testified at Brown’s trial as a defense witness, then returned to Harrodsburg to resume his own gunsmithing business. Mills declined to join either side during the ensuing Civil War.
Early Gun Shop Site
Here Benjamin Mills made some of finest rifles in US, ca. 1844-1863. His muzzle loaders were famous for their superb accuracy at a time when craftsmanship made all the difference. Used by Dr. Christopher Graham, conceded to be the best target shot in world, and used by the Boone Shooting Club, of which Graham and Gov. Beriah Magoffin were members.
Famed Gunsmith
In the 1859 raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, John Brown captured armorer Benjamin Mills. Mills was rescued the next day by Marines under Col. Robert E. Lee. Mills testified at Brown’s trial as a defense witness, then returned to Harrodsburg to resume his own gunsmithing business. Mills declined to join either side during the ensuing Civil War.
Erected 1970 by Kentucky Historical Society. (Marker Number 1335.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 37° 45.516′ N, 84° 50.644′ W. Marker is in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, in Mercer County. Marker is on Mooreland Avenue east of Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harrodsburg KY 40330, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location titled "Early Gun Shop Site / Civil War Armorer".
Photographed By Brian K. Hall, January 31, 2022
2. Famed Gunsmith Marker
Replacement marker for Civil War Armorer marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2022, by Brian K. Hall of Lexington, Kentucky. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2022, by Brian K. Hall of Lexington, Kentucky. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of this replacement marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
