West Lampeter Township near Willow Street in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Birthplace of the Pennsylvania Rifle
Photographed By Dave Schreck, February 9, 2008
1. Birthplace of the Pennsylvania Rifle Marker
Plaque is on the building.
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.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1710.
Location. 39° 59.705′ N, 76° 16.501′ W. Marker is near Willow Street, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. It is in West Lampeter Township. Marker is on Eshelman Mill Road, 0.1 miles north of Long Rifle Road, on the left when traveling north. In photo 2, marker is on the side of the building which faces the road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1522 Eshelman Mill Rd, Willow Street PA 17584, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Herr House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Martin Meylin’s Gunshop (approx. 0.6 miles away); Millstones (approx. 1.3 miles away); Heine Weber Smokehouse (approx. 1.3 miles away); Blacksmith Shop (approx. 1.3 miles
this page online
Also see . . .
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.)
Photographed By Dave Schreck, February 9, 2008
2. Martin Meylin's Gunshop and Marker
The marker is on the side of the building which faces the road.
Photographed By Dave Schreck, February 9, 2008
3. Martin Meylin's Gunshop
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2008, by Dave Schreck of Rawlinsville, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 5,368 times since then and 125 times this year. Last updated on November 19, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 12, 2008, by Dave Schreck of Rawlinsville, Pennsylvania. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
